By Everson Luhanga
- The two City Power contractors allegedly accepted R15,000 in marked notes as part of a Hawks sting operation on Tuesday.
- City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said the utility has zero tolerance for corruption and is reviewing the contractors’ company contract.
Two City Power contractor employees allegedly approached a Johannesburg customer with a R149,000 electricity debt and demanded R46,000 to reverse the debt.
The customer refused to be part of the deal and reported the matter to City Power’s corporate investigations unit.
City Power then worked with the Hawks to set up a sting operation under Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. Investigators arranged R15,000 in marked notes.
On Tuesday, 23 February 2026, the two suspects allegedly accepted the money. Police found them with the marked cash soon after and arrested them on the spot.
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said the utility takes corruption seriously.
“We view this matter in an extremely serious light. Any attempt to solicit bribes, manipulate accounts or unlawfully interfere with billing systems undermines public trust and constitutes criminal conduct,” she said.
Mashava said the zero tolerance approach applies to employees, contractors and service providers. Those found guilty will face criminal charges and internal action.
The investigation continues. More charges and arrests are not ruled out.
City Power is also reviewing its contract with the company involved. Blacklisting is possible.
At the same time, the utility is investigating theft and vandalism at substations across its supply areas. Several incidents happened at sites with security guards.
In the inner city and Roodepoort, thieves have targeted circuit breakers and copper cables. Circuit breakers protect equipment from major damage. A recent attack at the Bree substation caused a long and widespread outage.
City Power said residents must report suspicious activity near substations to 011 490 7900.
Pictured above: City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava says the utility has zero tolerance for corruption and substation vandalism.
Image source: Supplied
