Yesterday, a City Power contractor and his accomplice were arrested in Rosettenville for soliciting a bribe of R5000 from a resident in Turffontein.
The suspects were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), working together with investigators from the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) department.
One of the suspects is an official from an independent contractor who provides electricity disconnection services to City Power. His accomplice is a member of the public masquerading as a City Power official.
They are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today.
It is alleged that the suspects approached a customer whose account was in arrears and threatened to disconnect power supply to his property. To prevent this, they demanded a bribe of R5000. The customer agreed to pay the bribe but also informed investigators from GFIS before paying it.
A sting operation was then set up by JMPD and GFIS investigators, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
I was informed that the suspects had in their possession 50 municipal accounts belonging to various clients. It’s a clear indication that these suspects are working with officials from the City who are providing them with the list of accounts that are in arrears.
I would like to commend the resident who refused to be part of any corrupt activity and reported the matter to our team.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that it is eradicated and that residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption by visiting the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information contact:
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
