Resident’s tip-off leads to official’s arrest
Official will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates' Court
An alert Helderkruin resident’s actions have resulted in the capture and arrest of a City Power official that attempted to solicit a bribe.
According to a press release received from the Mayor’s office, the resident was approached by an official employed by an independent contractor providing electricity disconnection services to City Power on the afternoon of 31 August.
The official informed the resident that her electricity was connected illegally and that he was there to disconnect the services. “He further indicated that if she paid him R4 000, he would not disconnect the electricity,” said the mayor.
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The resident agreed to the deal, and requested the official to return the following day to collect the cash, but, as soon as the official left, she informed the city’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) team. They proceeded to set up a sting operation in conjunction with the Hawks.
“When the official arrived at the resident’s house the following day, he pretended to be working on the electricity meter before going inside the house to collect the money. He was apprehended by the Hawks and arrested. It was also found that he could not produce a valid job card,” Mashaba said. The official was set to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court this morning (4 September).
“I would like to commend the resident who refused to be part of any corrupt activity and reported the matter to our team which acted swiftly to deal with the matter,” said the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), councillor Herman Mashaba.
The resident was assured that her electricity was in fact connected legally by a team of City Power engineers who did a thorough assessment. “In the context of the city’s billing challenges, acts of corruption only serve to worsen the difficult circumstances which our residents have been forced to live under for years. I will work tirelessly to ensure this is eradicated and that our residents receive the quality services they deserve,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to report any fraud and corruption activities through the CoJ’s 24-hour tip-off hotline on 0800 002 587 or by visiting the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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