Three individuals, including two City Power interns and one person falsely claiming to be a manager, were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) after allegedly extorting R3,500 from a Johannesburg property owner. The arrests took place at Evette Court on Jeppe Street, where the suspects falsely presented themselves as City Power employees conducting electricity meter inspections.
Interns and Bogus Official Accused of Extortion
According to City Power, the two interns were not authorized to perform any field or metering work. JMPD officers recovered City Power-branded uniforms and the extorted cash during the operation. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava stated that these arrests “reinforce our consistent position that criminal syndicates continue to exploit electricity infrastructure and the City Power brand to extort unsuspecting residents.”
The utility has reiterated that no intern, contractor, or employee is permitted to request payment from customers for inspections or meter work without proper authorization and documentation. City Power has commended the JMPD’s swift response and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement to protect customers and maintain operational integrity.
Recent Crackdowns on Electricity-Related Crime
These arrests follow a recent operation in Fordsburg where six contractor-linked individuals were apprehended for cable theft. That investigation revealed deliberate tampering with underground infrastructure, misuse of work orders, and ongoing unlawful activity. City Power has identified criminal activity targeting electricity infrastructure as a significant threat to both service delivery and public safety.
City Power has taken steps to strengthen security, including expanding patrols, tightening work order verification, and increasing oversight of contractors and subcontractors. Mashava affirmed the utility’s commitment to relentlessly pursue criminal elements, both internal and external, and ensure accountability.
Protecting Customers
City Power is urging customers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving individuals claiming to represent the utility. Residents are warned not to make payments to anyone requesting money for electricity services; all payments should be made at City Power Service Delivery Centres or City of Johannesburg offices. Offering a bribe is also a criminal offense, and those caught may face arrest and prosecution. Suspicious activity can be reported to City Power at 011 490 7900.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if someone claiming to be from City Power asks to inspect my meter?
City Power urges customers not to allow anyone to inspect their meter without prior appointment and proper identification. All City Power employees and authorized contractors will have verifiable documentation.
Where should I make payments for electricity services?
All payments for electricity services must be made at City Power Service Delivery Centres or City of Johannesburg offices. Customers should not pay any individual requesting payment on-site.
What steps is City Power taking to address criminal activity?
City Power has strengthened internal controls, expanded armed patrols, tightened verification of work orders, and increased oversight of contractors and subcontractors. They have also intensified collaboration with law enforcement.
How can residents contribute to preventing these types of crimes in their communities?
