City Power Technician Hijacked and Kidnapped in Lenasia South
Outrage Over Violent Crime Sparks Safety Assessments and Warning from City Power
A Johannesburg City Power technician was hijacked and kidnapped while conducting his duties in Lenasia South.
The incident occurred as the technician and his team were carrying out official duties and were attacked by armed criminals who hijacked a brand new white Toyota Hilux, fleeing the scene with the official.
City Power responds
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed the incident, stating,
“The official was among a team of technicians who were conducting official duties when they were attacked by a group of armed criminals who hijacked a brand new white Toyota Hilux with registration LG 82 DB – GP.”
“They fled the scene with the official.”
Expressing outrage and concern for the safety of their employee, City Power’s chief executive, Tshifularo Mashava, stated that top management is conducting security assessments to determine if it is safe for employees to continue servicing the Lenasia area.
“We are outraged by such a violent crime meted against our employees while executing their duties.”
” More than anything, we are concerned about the safety of our employee who has been kidnapped by these criminals,” said Mashava.
Joburg City Power chief executive Tshifularo Mashava says they are appalled after a technician was kidnapped during a hijacking of a City-owned Toyota Hilux.
This incident follows a weekend warning from Joburg Emergency Management Services after three firefighters were pelted with stones while responding to a fire in Eldorado Park.
The warning signaled potential withdrawal of services in areas hostile to employees.
Mashava urged residents of Lenasia South Ext 4 and surrounding neighborhoods to provide any information that could lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators and the safe rescue of the kidnapped employee.
While City Power has the option to request escorts from JMPD (Joburg Metro Police Department) to ensure the safety of its officials, Mashava warned that such measures are unsustainable and costly, potentially affecting response times to outages in volatile areas.
“We will not hesitate to pull out our teams from any area where their safety is compromised,” warned Mashava.
Mashava brought up that City Power is currently assessing safety conditions in the area.
Counseling and psycho-social support have been provided to the victims, and City Power is working with authorities to fund the rescue efforts for the kidnapped technician.
Individuals with information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the SAPS on 08600 10111, City Power Risk Control on 011 490 7900 or 011 490 7911, or use City Power’s anonymous line at 080 000 2587.
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