Two men were electrocuted while attempting to steal copper cables in Diepsloot near the R511 road on Tuesday morning, Johannesburg emergency services said.

"The pair aged between 25 and 30 were allegedly trying to steal copper cables when they were electrocuted," spokesperson Percy Morokane said.

"There's approximately 3000 to 6000 kilowatts running thought the cables, they stood no chance because of the high voltage."

Police were also at the scene. Morokane said an inquest docket would be opened.