City Power has welcomed the arrest of two suspected electricity thieves, Sipho Vundla and Jafta Mofokeng, over the weekend on charges of arson, tampering with essential infrastructure and extortion.
Vundla (40) allegedly posed as a false City Power team leader, where he exploited and extorted money from Johannesburg business owner, Yusuf Suliman.
The accused demanded a bribe of R97 000 from Suliman to fast-track the installation of a new electrical service connection.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, explained Suliman paid over R337 000 to the City of Johannesburg Revenue Department for the installation of a 105KVA/150A electrical connection in June 2023.
However, Suliman was informed that he made a payment to the wrong department last April.
“Shortly thereafter, Vundla, posing as a City Power representative, took advantage of the situation by demanding an additional R97 000 to expedite the process,” said Mangena.
Following Suliman’s report of the crime, an investigation of fraud and extortion was launched which led to the arrest of Vundla.
The accused appeared before the local Magistrates Court on the day of his arrest, where he was denied bail.
“City Power is confident that it has a watertight case against Vundla. He faces serious charges, including fraud and extortion, and the investigation into his actions remains ongoing.
“City Power is committed to ensuring that the full might of the law is brought to bear on Vundla for his criminal activities,” said Mangena.
In the same light, Mofokeng’s arrest comes after he was spotted by a local resident in Auckland Park allegedly burning MSS and RMU equipment near Twickenham Avenue.
Mangena said Mofokeng faces charges of arson, tampering with essential infrastructure, and malicious damage to property.
The accused is also believed to be under investigation for his involvement in two additional incidents similar to the current charges of tampering with electrical infrastructure.
These incidents are alleged to have occurred in recent months, said Mangena.
“City Power is confident that it has gathered sufficient evidence to present a solid case against Mofokeng, and the full force of the law will be applied in his prosecution,” said Mangena.
Additionally, Mangena said: “These arrests mark a significant step in City Power’s ongoing efforts to combat theft, arson, and the damaging of vital electrical infrastructure.
“The damage caused by such criminal activity poses a severe threat to the safety, security, and stability of essential services in the region.
“City Power will continue to pursue perpetrators with determination, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
The Star