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City of Joburg EMS personnel are seen on site of a fire outbreak on the M1 South on 01 May 2025.
Emergency services are battling a fire along M1 south after the Smit Street in in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Preliminary investigations indicate that yet another incident of suspected cable theft and vandalism may have caused the fire.
Power supply has been affected in areas including Braamfontein, Parktown West, Newtown junction, De Korte North and Smith west.
The affected cables run between the Braamfontein and Fordsburg substations.
Johannesburg Emergency Services are currently on site extinguishing the fire and will thereafter ventilate the tunnels to remove smoke and ensure the area is safe for entry.
It’s believed that the incident in linked to a growing trend of criminal activities of zama-zamas operating in the inner city underground tunnels.
The cause of the fire is subject to investigation. Once the firefighters have conducted an assessment along the M1 double decker underground tunnel and the area is safe, the scene will be handed over to @CityPowerJhb to conduct their own investigation. @CityofJoburgZA pic.twitter.com/YqJdv8r5e6
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 1, 2025
