A former electrical contractor was arrested on Monday, March 18 on charges of corruption and tampering with Tshwane’s essential electrical infrastructure.
According to MMC for Finance Jacqui Uys, the former employee allegedly attempted to solicit a R8 000 bribe from an Erasmuskloof resident in exchange for an illegal reconnection.
Uys said the resident was supposed to get their electricity reconnected after settling an outstanding bill.
“Instead, the resident received a phone call from the contractor, who claimed their meter was not registered on the city’s system and offered to bypass the legal reconnection process in exchange for R8 000.”
STATEMENT: Former contractor caught red-handed and immediately arrested for illegal electricity reconnection. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/lOF6Xvsj8C
— Cilliers Brink (@CilliersB) March 20, 2024
She said the resident, being a good citizen and noting that this was possibly an illegal activity, immediately informed the city’s energy and electricity department, which acted swiftly and brought in the Tshwane metro police department (TMPD).
“The suspect proceeded to perform the illegal reconnection and an amount of R1 000 was paid. At this point, an arrest was immediately made and the payment booked in as evidence.”
A case has been opened at the Brooklyn police station with one charge of tampering with essential infrastructure and another charge of corruption.
Uys stated it was concerning that it would seem the former contractors were working with a few corrupt city officials who provided them with information about the metro’s disconnections.
She commended the Erasmuskloof resident for doing the right thing by reporting the illegal reconnection offer and bribe to the metro.
“The city cannot fight corruption alone. We need active citizenry to report all illegal activities and suspects to the city and law enforcement.”
To report illegal reconnections, residents can contact the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096 or Eskom on 08600 37566.
Also Read:Disgruntled Mams residents march to Tshwane
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