A 33-year-old security guard deployed to protect electricity infrastructure has been shot and killed in the Shalazile informal settlement, in what is believed to be an attack linked to attempts to target the microgrid supplying power to the area. City Power Johannesburg confirmed that Thulasizwe Gasa had been deployed to guard the Shalazile Microgrid Plant during the night shift on May 1 and was killed just hours later in the early hours of May 2, about 30 metres from the facility. Acting City Power Chief Executive Officer Charles Tlouane condemned the killing, describing it as a brutal attack on a worker protecting essential services.
“This is an unnecessary, tragic loss of life. A security officer was brutally killed while carrying out his duties to protect essential infrastructure that serves our communities. We condemn this criminal act in the strongest possible terms, and appeal to the police to move with speed to find the perpetrators,” he said.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said Gasa was shot multiple times in the head, chest and stomach and was found lying on a footpath between shacks. The motive has not yet been confirmed, but it is believed the attack may be linked to attempts to target microgrid infrastructure supplying electricity to the informal settlement. “The killing highlights the extreme risks faced by personnel working to safeguard the electricity supply in vulnerable and high-risk areas,” he said.
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Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim’s personal firearm and cellphone were taken during the attack. Police have opened a murder case, with suspects still at large. City Power has urged residents to assist police with information that could lead to arrests.
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