City Power cuts illegal connection at Kliptown’s brick factory
The sad part is that these are establishments that can afford to pay for electricity but just choose not to.
City Power operation busts Soweto business for illegally connecting to its network, in latest take down operations on non-complying businesses across the city.
ALSO READ: City Power welcomes the arrest of cable theft
The utility pounced on Tiger Brick factory near the Soweto Hotel, Kliptown, where it was believed that the business owners illegally connected to City Power transformer outside the Soweto hotel.
The utility security personnel joined by JMPD, took its sting operation to Soweto after receiving a tip-off about a business illegally connected to a City Power Medium Voltage network, through a 150m MV cable and a suspected stolen transformer installed inside the business.
It is believed that the business has been operating in the premises since 2001. According to spokesperson for City Power, Isaac Mangena, the business does not have a City Power meter despite its sizable operation producing bricks and other cement and concrete products.
During the operation, the power utility established that two other businesses owned by the same people were also connected to the same transformer and which have all been disconnected.
According to City Power, It also confiscated the cables and the transformer, and an investigation will determine whether it was stolen from City Power or Eskom network.
ALSO READ: City Power raises concern of increased vandalism on its infrastructure
The successful operation led to the arrest of a business owner and two workers, who were charged with tampering with municipal infrastructure.
According to the utility, Metro Police also issued the owners with two sections 56 citations for illegal connection. It is also stated that they have the option to appear in court or pay a R3 Million fine.
City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava welcomed the arrest of the three suspects during a sting operation.
“We commend the work by our security team and the JMPD in clamping down on defaulters and those stealing our electricity.
“We are losing millions of Rands in revenue due to the actions of businesses like this one. The sad part is that these are establishments that can afford to pay for electricity but just choose not to.
“We will intensify these raids on businesses and call on those who have illegally connected themselves to approach us before we go to them,” said Mashava.
Follow Us Here:Â
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
Facebook
Soweto Urban News
Twitter
Youtube
