Man arrested for illegal electricity connections
A member of the public has been arrested in Yeoville for being in possession of a stolen conventional electricity meter which was illegally connected to his property.
Recently, Mayor Mashaba led a team from Region F on a joint operation to Yeoville to encourage compliance with our by-laws. Priority precincts including Raleigh Street, Grafton Street, Hunter Street and Becker Street which have become riddled with a number of challenges, including health concerns, were identified. The operation further discovered water and electricity meters which had been tampered with by shop owners; this resulted in immediate terminations of services by Johannesburg Water and City Power at those properties. The property in this case was disconnected twice by City Power officials. The owner illegally reconnected the property in both occasions. This was a level 3 cut off and the meter was confiscated from the owner. An investigation conducted by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) has established that the meter was reported as stolen from City Power stores in 2002 and an insurance claim was submitted. The arrested member of the public was detained at the Yeoville Police Station and was scheduled to appear in court.
“It is quite disturbing that despite disconnecting the electricity supply to this property and confiscating the meters, someone from City Power reconnected the services and provided another meter to the member of the public. He has been stealing electricity from the City for a number of years. We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness in the City,” said Cllr Mashaba.
“Our anti-fraud and corruption unit, working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will continue to investigate the matter. Those that are involved including our officials will face the full might of the law.
“I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein,” Mashaba concluded.
