Key Takeaways
- City Power has welcomed the arrest of three suspects, including two interns and a bogus official, accused of impersonating employees and extorting money from a Johannesburg property owner.
- The suspects allegedly demanded and received R3 500 under the false pretence of inspecting electricity meters.
- City Power has reiterated that no intern, contractor or employee is permitted to conduct electricity inspections, meter work or request payment from customers without proper authorisation and verifiable documentation.
- The utility has intensified its fight against criminality across the electricity value chain, resulting in more than 140 arrests linked to infrastructure-related crimes since July.
- City Power has warned customers to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure or individuals claiming to represent the utility.
Introduction to the Incident
City Power has welcomed the arrest of three suspects, including two interns and a bogus official, accused of impersonating employees and extorting money from a Johannesburg property owner. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) arrested the suspects at Evette Court on Jeppe Street after they allegedly demanded and received R3 500 under the false pretence of inspecting electricity meters. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of criminal activity linked to electricity infrastructure, which remains a major threat to service delivery and public safety.
Details of the Arrest
City Power said two of the suspects were interns who were not authorised to conduct any field or metering work, while the third falsely claimed to be a City Power manager. JMPD officers recovered City Power-branded uniforms and the extorted cash during the arrest. The utility commended the swift response by the JMPD and its own security personnel involved in the operation. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava stated that these arrests reinforce the utility’s consistent position that criminal syndicates continue to exploit electricity infrastructure and the City Power brand to extort unsuspecting residents.
Arrests Follow Cable Theft Crackdown
The arrests come just days after City Power confirmed the apprehension of six contractor-linked individuals for cable theft during an intelligence-driven operation in Fordsburg. That operation uncovered deliberate tampering with underground electricity infrastructure, the misuse of work orders and repeated unlawful activity by individuals operating under the cover of legitimate contractor assignments. City Power has intensified its fight against criminality across the electricity value chain, and these efforts have resulted in more than 140 arrests linked to infrastructure-related crimes, including cable theft, vandalism, impersonation, extortion and internal collusion.
Security Interventions and Results
City Power has strengthened internal controls, expanded armed patrols in high-risk areas, tightened verification of work orders and wayleaves, and increased oversight of contractors and subcontractors across Johannesburg. The utility’s CEO, Tshifularo Mashava, stated that these arrests demonstrate that the intensified security interventions are yielding results. City Power will continue to pursue criminal elements relentlessly, whether external or internal, and will support law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
Warning to Customers
City Power has urged customers to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure or individuals claiming to represent the utility. Customers were warned not to pay any individual demanding payment for electricity services, as all payments must be made at City Power Service Delivery Centres or City of Johannesburg offices. The utility also reminded residents that offering a bribe is a criminal offence and that those caught will be arrested and face prosecution. Suspicious activity can be reported to City Power on 011 490 7900.
Conclusion and Future Actions
In conclusion, City Power’s efforts to combat criminal activity linked to electricity infrastructure are yielding results, with over 140 arrests made since July. The utility will continue to work closely with law enforcement to protect customers and the integrity of its operations. City Power’s warning to customers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity is crucial in preventing further incidents of extortion and impersonation. As the utility continues to strengthen its internal controls and security interventions, it is essential for customers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to criminal activity.