Executive Mayor condemns unprotected strike
There are firm indications that power outages at a number of areas within the City of Johannesburg may be as a result of criminal acts by certain individuals who may be linked to the present unprotected (illegal) work stoppage at City Power.
Definitive indication at one of the areas, confirms that there was tempering with the substation.
During the process of restoring power at various affected areas, City Power management found evidence which indicates that deliberate switching off of the electrical networks took place and this is considered as sabotage to the power network.
Considering that senior management in the city's infrastructure utilities also received threats to their lives, this suggests that the outages may be a deliberate act of criminality.
As a result, the City is closely working with the SA Police Services (SAPS), Johannesburg Metro Police, State Security Agency and Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) in an attempt to get to the bottom of this matter.
We have full confidence that our law-enforcement agencies will be able to apprehend those responsible and take appropriate action.
The City is fully-aware of the impact of the power outage to both residents and businesses and wishes to profusely apologise for the inconvenience caused. It is for this reason that a considerable number of employees are working around the clock, including City Power management to restore power at affected areas.
We want to thank utility employees who have been on duty including the Johannesburg Metro Police who have been performing beyond the call of duty, to assist in this matter.
To those implicated in criminal acts during these outages, we want to convey a strong warning to them that we will not tolerate their actions. In a democracy, there are various platforms for people to use channel their grievances. We hope our employees who have grievances will also use these channels
Statement issued by Fred Mokoko, Official Spokesperson for Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, September 7 2013
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