Resident blows the whistle on illegal water connections

WESTDENE – Infamous bogus Joburg Water official, Brian, finally arrested after fed-up resident contacts the City of Johannesburg.

February 5, 2018

Roxy de Villiers 2 minutes read

A bogus Johannesburg Water employee has finally been arrested for allegedly conning residents out of their money and into illegal connections. Photo: File

A bogus Johannesburg Water employee was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly attempting to solicit a R2 000 bribe from a Westdene resident.

The suspect will appear in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court today to answer for what has reportedly been a long history of fraud.

According to a statement from Mayor Herman Mashaba’s office, the man, who refers to himself as Brian, has been operating for quite some time in Westdene, Auckland Park, Sophiatown, Bosmont, Riverlea, Westbury and Newlands. His alleged modus operandi is to extort large amounts of money from residents whose water accounts are in arrears.

With regard to the most recent Westdene incident, he is said to have approached the chairperson of a sectional title building providing student accommodation late last year which was cut off due to late or non-payment.

The chairperson said he paid him R4 500 to be reconnected, however, he later allegedly told the resident that it would cost him an additional R15 000 to R20 000 to make up a ‘payment arrangement’ with the City.

It is claimed he then suggested that the resident pay him a monthly amount of R1 500 to avoid further disconnections.
About a week ago, the resident finally contacted the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) after receiving a message saying that his water meter had been removed.

When he contacted the suspect about the meter, he allegedly said the meter was removed because of discrepancies on the serial number and is said to have requested R3 000 to rectify the situation.

The resident said he paid him R1 000 upfront and told the suspect to collect the rest on 2 February.

A sting operation was set up with the GFIS and the Hawks, and an arrangement was made to meet the suspect at a fast food restaurant in Sophiatown. He arrived at the location, allegedly collected the R2 000 and was arrested as he left the complex where the restaurant is located.

“I would like to commend the resident who said ‘enough is enough’ and reported the matter to our team. I would like to encourage anyone who has been scammed by the so-called Brian to please come forward. The information will assist the police as they investigate the matter further,” Mashaba said in the statement.

Residents can report fraud and corruption through the City’s 24-hour tip-off hotline on 080 000 2587. Alternatively, residents can visit the GFIS offices in Braamfontein at 48 Ameshoff Street.