A City Power technician appeared in court after allegedly demanding a R3,000 bribe from a customer in exchange for restoring electricity at a Norwood residence, prompting the utility to reiterate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
This comes after a sting operation conducted by the Hawks in collaboration with City Power’s Corporate Investigations and Security Risk Management (SRM) unit after the customer reported the alleged extortion.
According to City Power, the technician, who is employed under the Inner City Service Delivery Centre (SDC), was arrested on Tuesday following an investigation into allegations that he solicited money from a customer.
The employee appeared in court on Wednesday on a charge of extortion.
City Power CEO Charles Tlouane welcomed the arrest, saying it should serve as a warning to anyone seeking to profit unlawfully from essential public services.
“The arrest sends a strong warning to individuals who prey on City Power customers and attempt to turn essential electricity services into an opportunity for personal financial gain,” Tlouane said.
Customer allegedly asked to pay R3,000
The utility said the case began after a Norwood resident experienced a power outage on July 26, 2026.
The technician was officially assigned to attend to the fault but allegedly informed the customer that a payment of R3,000 was required before electricity could be restored.
Although the electricity supply was eventually restored by a contractor, the employee allegedly continued demanding the money from the customer.
Following the complaint, City Power investigators worked with the Hawks to conduct a sting operation resulting in the technician’s arrest.
Zero tolerance for corruption
Tlouane praised the Hawks, police officers and City Power’s internal investigators for their role in bringing the matter before the criminal justice system.
He said the utility viewed the allegations as particularly serious because customers experiencing electricity outages are often under significant stress and should never be expected to pay individuals to receive legitimate municipal services.
City Power stressed that employees are prohibited from requesting personal payments from customers and that all services must be accessed through official channels.
Report bribery and extortion
The utility urged residents not to pay anyone claiming money is required to restore electricity, repair faults or expedite City Power services.
Customers who encounter suspected corruption, extortion or bribery are encouraged to report the matter to City Power’s Security Risk Management Control Room or via its dedicated WhatsApp line. Where it is safe to do so, they should provide information such as the suspect’s name, employee or contractor identification, vehicle registration number, location and details of the alleged offence, while avoiding any direct confrontation.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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