City Power employee nabbed for fraud
JOBRUG - City Power security officials have arrested an employee and a contractor in a sting operation for soliciting a bribe from a customer whose power was disconnected due to non-payment in exchange for illegally reconnecting the customer’s electricity.
Yumna Sheik, spokesperson for City Power City Power said the arrest of these employees follows a tip-off City Power security officials received about the bribe and illegal re-connection. Sheik said the customer has just bought the house in auction which was disconnected and the arrested suspects will be appear in Johannesburg Magistrate Court in due course.
She said the City of Johannesburg electricity entity had embarked on a crackdown of fraud and corruption which has seen a number of employees and contractors being arrested and suspended.
Meanwhile Sicelo Xulu, City Power managing director said, “Corruption and theft are impediments that hamper our ability to provide a world-class service to the residents of Johannesburg. We wish to send out a strong message that there is no room for corruption at City Power. Theft and corruption are not only a crime against City Power, but also a crime against the ratepayers of Johannesburg who expect and deserve a corruption-free and efficient utility.”
The arrested employee who works at the entity’s head quarters will remain on suspension until outcome of disciplinary action.
