Two males suspect arrested following an illegal reconnection power. Image supplied.
(The Post News)- City Power’s Security Risk Management team, in cooperation with law enforcement, arrested two suspects today for illegally reconnecting their power supply after it had been disconnected earlier during the Reuven Service Delivery Centre’s (SDC) revenue collection drive.
The suspects, linked to a defaulting customer owing over R2 million in unpaid electricity bills, had been cut off earlier in the day. However, the duo managed to illegally restore their power by tampering with the chamber. City Power disconnected their supply again and placed security teams at strategic points to monitor the situation.
Among other defaulters were a shopping center in Nasrec, with an R3.1 million debt, a luxury clothing retailer in Village Deep owing R2.6 million, and a residential complex in TurffonteinR5.9 million in arrears. Some customers have exploited loopholes in the system, using deceptive tactics like filing false queries or seeking court interventions to avoid disconnection.
Another payment came from a residential customer who contributed R200,000 towards their R3.7 million debt. These instances are part of a larger initiative to recover over R45.5 million owed by eight significant defaulters in areas such as Ormonde, Village Deep, Turffontein, Selby, and New Centre.
City Power stresses that disconnection is used only as a last option, as the utility prefers collaborating with customers to reach mutually acceptable solutions. However, ongoing non-payment will make disconnection unavoidable.
The suspects face charges related to tampering with essential infrastructure, vandalism, and theft of electricity.
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