16 Joburg suburbs plunged into darkness by Robertsham substation fire

An investigation is underway into what caused the fire at Robertsham substation, just outside the Johannesburg CBD, on Monday night.

A team of forensic investigators arrived at the station on Tuesday morning and combed the scene for clues that would help to identify the cause of the fire.

The following areas have been affected and are without power.

• Robertsham
• Booysens
• Booysens Reserve 
• Crown Gardens 
• Ridgeway 
• Mondeor 
• Gillview 
• Glenada 
• Ophirton 
• Evans Park
• Ormonde
• Winchester Hills
• Southdale
• Aeroton
• Nasrec
• Chrisville

While the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, authorities are not ruling out sabotage.

Firefighters worked well into Monday night to extinguish the blaze.

The City of Johannesburg said two transformers were destroyed in the blaze.

“Mop-up operations are underway at Robertsham substation as teams assess the damage caused by the fire. Several suburbs south of Johannesburg will remain off until repairs and replacement work is complete,” said the city.

Engineering operations director Isaac Rampedi arrived at the site on Tuesday morning and he’s overseeing the mop-up operations and leading City Power’s recovery plan.

NOW WATCH: Parts of Joburg south plunged into darkness after substation catches fire