City Power warned of deliberate damage to streetlights on major Johannesburg routes ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 22 to 23, 2025. The utility reported poles and fittings knocked down or broken soon after repairs on the M1 between Southgate and Killarney, as well as the M2, Malibongwe Drive, and Joe Slovo Drive. With no cables or parts missing, officials say the pattern points to sabotage rather than theft, threatening road safety and efforts to brighten key corridors for visiting delegates.
The city said repair teams are being dispatched with added patrols and cameras, and it has asked police and metro police to step up investigations and visible enforcement. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity near lighting assets. Possible motives cited by officials range from attempts to disrupt summit preparations to schemes that profit from repeat repair work. Dark stretches raise the risk of crashes and robberies, and could worsen traffic tied to summit rehearsals. City leaders argue that a reliable, well-lit network is vital for public safety and tourism beyond the event.
The city said repair teams are being dispatched with added patrols and cameras, and it has asked police and metro police to step up investigations and visible enforcement. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity near lighting assets. Possible motives cited by officials range from attempts to disrupt summit preparations to schemes that profit from repeat repair work. Dark stretches raise the risk of crashes and robberies, and could worsen traffic tied to summit rehearsals. City leaders argue that a reliable, well-lit network is vital for public safety and tourism beyond the event.
