A disturbing video circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter) has once again captured global attention, appearing to show a man electrocuted while attempting to steal copper cables from an electrical transformer in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The harrowing footage, recorded at night near the Westfield substation in Modderfontein, shows intense electrical flashes before the man’s body is seen hanging motionless from the transformer in an inverted position. Viewers described the scene as both shocking and tragic, highlighting the deadly consequences of cable theft—a crime driven by South Africa’s deepening economic struggles.
However, authorities and local news outlets have confirmed that the video is not new. The incident originally occurred on September 20, 2019, when City Power technicians discovered the unidentified man’s body during a routine inspection. No power outages were reported at the time, but the case underscored the extreme risks associated with tampering with high-voltage equipment.
Despite being repeatedly debunked, the clip resurfaces online every few years—often misrepresented as a current event. This latest wave of virality in 2025 has reignited debates over cable theft, poverty, and misinformation on social media.
According to news24.com, cable theft remains a national crisis, costing South African utilities like Eskom and City Power billions of rand annually in repairs and contributing to frequent blackouts. Experts estimate that more than 50 people die each year from electrocution during attempted thefts, a grim reflection of desperation amid rising unemployment and the high black-market value of copper.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity around substations and electrical infrastructure, emphasizing that what might appear to be a victimless crime can have fatal consequences—and can cripple essential services for entire communities.
“These are preventable deaths,” a City Power spokesperson told news24.com. “We appeal to residents to see these facilities not as targets, but as lifelines for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
