Three Arrested For Impersonating City Power Officials In R3,500 Extortion Scheme

City Power has welcomed the arrest of three suspects by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) for allegedly impersonating City Power officials and extorting money from a building owner in the Johannesburg CBD.

The suspects were arrested at Evette Court on Jeppe Street after they allegedly demanded and received R3,500 under the false pretence of carrying out electricity meter inspections.

According to the utility company, two of the suspects were interns employed by the utility but were not authorised to perform any fieldwork or metering duties, while the third suspect falsely claimed to be a City Power manager.

City Power Interns Among Suspects Arrested in Johannesburg CBD

City Power confirmed that the suspects were found in possession of the electricity company’s uniforms, as well as the cash allegedly obtained through the extortion. The items were recovered during the arrest.

City Power chief executive officer Tshifularo Mashava said the arrests once again highlighted how criminal networks continue to exploit electricity infrastructure and misuse the City Power brand for illegal gain.

“We are pleased with the action taken by law enforcement in collaboration with security, and we will continue to work closely with them to protect customers and the integrity of our operations,” Mashava said.

Intensified Crackdown on Cable Theft and Electricity-Related Crimes

The arrests come just days after six individuals linked to contractors were apprehended for cable theft during an intelligence-driven operation in Fordsburg.

The power company said that operation revealed deliberate tampering with underground electricity infrastructure and repeated illegal activity by individuals operating under the guise of legitimate contractor work.

Since the start of the 2025/26 financial year in July, City Power said it has stepped up efforts to tackle crime across the electricity value chain. These interventions have resulted in more than 140 arrests related to cable theft, vandalism, impersonation, extortion and internal collusion.

The power utility said it has strengthened internal controls, increased armed patrols in high-risk areas and tightened oversight of contractors and subcontractors as part of its broader security strategy.

City Power Warns Customers Against Paying Impostors

Mashava urged customers to remain vigilant and not to make payments to anyone claiming to represent City Power without proper authorisation.

“No intern, contractor or employee is permitted to conduct electricity inspections, meter work, or request payment from customers without proper authorisation and verifiable documentation. We urge customers to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure or individuals claiming to represent City Power,” she said.

“Customers must not pay any individual who demands payment for electricity services, claiming to be working for City Power.

“All payments must be made at the City Power Service Delivery Centre or COJ offices,” Mashava added.

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She also warned that offering bribes to impersonators constitutes a criminal offence and could result in arrest.

“These arrests demonstrate that our intensified security interventions are yielding results,” Mashava said.

“We will continue to pursue criminal elements relentlessly, whether external or internal, and will support law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.”

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