A senior City Power official has allegedly been busted for R1.4 million’s worth of cable theft.
City Power spokesperson Hloni Motloung said the official’s identity will only be disclosed once he has appeared in the South Gauteng High Court on charges of cable theft and possession of stolen property.
Motloung said the official was allegedly in possession of four cable drum rolls that is valued at R350 000 each.
Managing director of City Power Sicelo Xulu said he feels encouraged by the breakthrough as it demonstrates City Power’s commitment to rid itself from corrupt practices.
“No one is above the fight against corruption and cable theft, including City Power employees. We need to lead by example. We are pleased with this breakthrough as it cripples the efforts of syndicates and spares Johannesburg residents a spate of unplanned power cuts and millions in lost revenue,” said Xulu.
He appealed to the community once again, to continue working with law enforcement and City Power to report suspected cable theft incidents.
Motloung said cable theft runs at a cost of around R5 billion a year directly and indirectly.
Xulu added that besides the cost of replacing the damaged equipment and the infrastructure, cable theft increases electricity tariffs for normal South Africans.
Provincial Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said he is aware of the incident but it is no longer a SAPS case.
“The police assisted in busting the official but the case has been given to the Hawks,”said Lt Col Dlamini.
Hawks Lieutenant Robert Notshiunda said he was not aware of the incident.
