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Tshwane Confirms Cable Theft Behind Olievenhoutbosch Substation Fire as Crews Push Power Restoration

City officials blame cable theft, reporting repair progress despite heavy rain.

Overview

  • Deputy Executive Mayor Eugene Modise says one transformer was destroyed, while a second and a spare passed tests to help supply affected areas.
  • Specialised dry‑ice cleaning of high‑voltage equipment and replacement of critical cabling are underway with teams working around the clock.
  • The fire started around 2 a.m. on 24 December and left parts of Olievenhoutbosch and Centurion without electricity for several days over Christmas.
  • Residents report losses from spoiled food and halted home businesses, with outages affecting areas including Zwartkop, Highveld and Eco Park.
  • Law enforcement has opened a case into the theft, and local leaders are urging community reporting and expanded patrolling to deter future incidents.