A man believed to be a Zimbabwean national was found living inside a high‑voltage electrical substation in Johannesburg, officials said. The discovery was reported on Facebook on 10 June 2026.
Video footage shows officials entering the substation and locating a makeshift living area containing a bed, mosquito net, clothing, groceries, cooking utensils and other personal items among the electrical equipment. The footage was posted on the KASI Crime Facebook page.
The presence of a person in a high‑voltage facility has raised safety concerns, because substations are classified as critical infrastructure and pose a serious risk of electrocution, according to the video description. Authorities were said to have been notified and are expected to investigate how the individual accessed the site. No damage to the substation was reported in the post.
Items found in the living space
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Bed | Simple sleeping platform |
| Mosquito net | Hanging over the bed |
| Clothing | Various garments |
| Groceries | Packaged food supplies |
| Cooking utensils | Basic kitchen tools |
| Personal belongings | Miscellaneous items |
The table summarises the belongings observed in the video, indicating the individual had established a rudimentary household within the substation.
The KASI Crime post did not provide details on when the individual entered the site, how long he had been there, or which authorities will lead the investigation. It only noted that officials had entered the facility and that the man’s nationality was believed to be Zimbabwean.
Further action is pending as investigators determine the means of entry and assess any potential risks to the power network.
FAQ
Q: Was anyone injured in the incident?
A: No injuries were reported, and the substation suffered no damage, according to the Facebook post.