![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2020/09/39srcrmelectrocu_40435.jpg)
A man has died after he was burned while allegedly tampering with a substation in Springs Extension on Sunday evening.
Springs Police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora said a witness reported seeing a group of 15 men standing next to an electrical substation on the corner of Geduld and Connaught streets at around 11pm.
When the witness stopped to check, he was chased away by the group.
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Approximately 15 minutes after leaving the group, the witness heard an explosion coming from the direction of the substation.
The following day, the witness called the CPF and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to report what has happened.
When security guards from the CoE arrived at 6am, they discovered a body burned beyond recognition.
The guards called police and an ambulance, and the man was declared dead on the scene.
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An investigation revealed an electrical cable had been cut, leaving the surrounding houses and businesses without power.
An inquest docket was opened for further investigation.
Springs Police Station commander Brig Thembeka Gwebushe condemned the stealing of electric cables and emphasised that it destroys the economy and the lives of innocent people.
She requested the community work with police by reporting any crimes, especially cable theft, to sector vehicles in their areas or 10111.