South African power bank buyers face hidden risks as overseas recalls highlight overheating hazards

Consumers in South Africa are advised to scrutinise power bank models after multiple international recalls due to overheating and fire risks, with some affected devices still available locally without clear warnings.

South African consumers who bought power banks from well-known brands should check the model number carefully after a fresh run of overseas recalls pointed to devices with overheating batteries and fire risk. MyBroadband reported that the issue is no longer limited to one brand, with several products withdrawn abroad while remaining available, or at least not formally recalled, in South Africa.

The most recent case involves ESR HaloLock Wireless Power Banks. ESR said in its own recall notice that lithium-ion cells in the affected units can overheat and ignite, and the company urged owners to stop using them immediately and seek a refund. South Africa’s National Consumer Commission also issued a local recall notice, saying the products were imported from China and sold through online stores including Takealot between 2023 and 2024.

A broader concern is that recalls overseas do not always translate into clear warnings for South African buyers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the ESR recall was later expanded to include an additional model, while authorities in Britain, Canada and South Africa all issued parallel safety notices for the same product line. The units were sold in several colours and, in the CPSC’s description, carried five circular LED display lights.

MyBroadband also highlighted two earlier Anker recalls and a larger Romoss withdrawal that may matter to local shoppers. Anker said internal audits found lithium-ion cells from one supplier could overpressurise and overheat in five power bank models, creating a risk of melting or fire. Romoss went further, recalling nearly half a million units in July 2025 after reports of fires, including one aboard a Hong Kong Airlines flight. The Chinese authorities revoked Romoss’s 3C certification for all power banks and the company later suspended production. Historical online listings showed at least one affected Romoss model was offered in South Africa, though it was not clear whether local stock matched the faulty production window. MyBroadband said the NCC did not respond to questions about whether the Anker or Romoss products had reached South African consumers.