Two suspects are expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s court today following their arrest for soliciting a bribe of R5, 000 from a resident in Helderkruin, west of Johannesburg, yesterday.
The suspects will be charged for fraud, impersonating a City of Johannesburg official, and soliciting a bribe.
It alleged that the suspects, who were both wearing City Power reflector jackets, illegally disconnected power supply to the complainant’s property and left a fraudulent disconnection note indicating that the account owed the City about R98, 000. The notice also had the suspects’ contact details.
The customer then went to the revenue department and paid R10, 000 and made payment arrangements. He then produced the disconnection letter and the officials at the Revenue department confirmed that it was fraudulent.
The matter was then reported to the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) team which set up a sting operation together with the members of the South African Police Service (Saps) in terms of section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
When the complainant arrived back at his house he found the suspects waiting for him. They demanded R5, 000 so they could reconnect the power. The suspects were unaware that the complainant had made payment arrangements and had already paid the City R10, 000.
The suspects were arrested on the scene. They alleged that they were working with City of Johannesburg officials from Thuso House.
I would like to commend the resident who refused to be part of any corrupt activity and reported the matter to our team.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage people 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.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact:
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Service
Call: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
OR
Luyanda Mfeka
Director of Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Call: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
