This morning, I was informed of the arrest of an official who attempted to solicit a bribe of R3000 from a resident in Midrand, North of Johannesburg.
The official is from an independent contractor whom provides electricity disconnection services to City Power.
The official will appear in the Midrand Court on Tuesday, 26 September 2017, where she will be officially charged for fraud.
The resident’s electricity account was in arrears and was served with a disconnection notice on Wednesday. It is alleged that the official then approached the resident the same Wednesday afternoon and informed her that she was there to disconnect the electricity.
She further indicated that if the client gives her an amount of R3000, her electricity would not be disconnected.
The resident agreed to pay the money to the official but said she only had R1500 and requested that the official returns on Friday to collect the remainder of the money. The resident then informed the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) team, which set up a sting operation together with the members of the Hawks.
The official arrived at house on Friday to collect her money and the Hawks apprehended her.
I am disturbed that this is becoming a trend in Johannesburg. Earlier this month, a contractor was also arrested for trying to solicit a bribe of R4000 from a resident in Helderkruin, west of Johannesburg.
I would like to commend the resident who refused to be part of any corrupt activity and reported the matter to our team.
In the context of the City’s billing challenges, acts of corruption only serve to worsen the difficult circumstances which our residents have been forced to live under for years.
Under the previous administration, this sort of conduct would have gone rewarded with a slap on the wrist; no more.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, to ensure that it is eradicated and that residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage residents to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.