The police says it’s making progress on an extensive Joburg City Power electricity extortion ring, following new arrests this weekend. Moreover, the power utility welcomes the arrests of suspects trying to extort money from property owners.
JOBURG CITY POWER ELECTRICITY EXTORTION
However, two of the three suspects arrested are Joburg City Power interns. They were posing as fake managers and meter readers. In turn, the utility insists they were not authorised to conduct any field work and must face the full brunt of the law.
At the heart of the Joburg City Power electricity extortion scheme is Eskom’s rollout of new prepaid meters. The latest devices are meant to better facilitate Free Basic Electricity services. But they also require direct access to households for future load-reduction measures.
INTERNS POSING AS METER MEN
Johannesburg’s Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) conducted the raid. And suspects were arrested at Evette Court, Jeppe Street this weekend. The fake managers demanded and received R3 500 to inspect electricity meters. JMPD officers recovered City Power-branded uniforms and extorted cash in the arrest.
Furthermore, how are low-income homeowners meant to trust who is a genuine city official? Fearing a widespread Joburg City Power electricity extortion ring, the rollout of these meters has since been paused.
HOW TO SPOT BOGUS OFFICIALS
“These arrests reinforce our position that there is a vast Joburg City Power electricity extortion syndicate. These criminals continue to exploit our electricity infrastructure. And take advantage of unsuspecting residents,” says Tshifularo Mashava, the CEO of City Power.
Once again, the utility reiterates that no one is permitted to do electricity inspections or meter work without verifiable documentation. And they most certainly are not allowed to request payment directly from customers. As a result, the power utility urges residents not to open their homes up to anyone posing as City Power officials in this capacity.
WORSENING JOBURG CITY POWER ELECTRICITY EXTORTION RING
Furthermore, there have been 140 arrests in the Joburg City Power electricity extortion ring since July. Including six contractor-linked individuals stealing cables in Fordsburg. And deliberate tampering with underground electricity infrastructure under the cover of legitimate contractor assignments.
Other criminal activity includes cable theft, vandalism, impersonation, extortion and internal collusion. The power utility urges customers to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity to City Power on 011 490 7900.
But what do you think? Is Joburg stuck in the midst of a deeply sophisticated extortion ring that’s meant to undermine the province? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
