City Power technician nabbed after allegedly demanding R3,000 bribe from customer

A City Power technician has been arrested after allegedly demanding R3,000 from a customer in exchange for restoring electricity.

The employee, who works under the utility’s Inner City Service Delivery Centre, was arrested on Tuesday following a sting operation carried out by City Power investigators in collaboration with the Hawks.

The case started after a Norwood resident experienced a power outage at their home on 26 July 2026.

The technician was assigned to attend to the reported fault but allegedly told the customer that R3,000 would be required to restore the electricity.

The power supply was eventually restored by a contractor on 4 August. However, according to City Power, the technician allegedly continued demanding the R3,000 from the customer.

The customer reported the alleged extortion, prompting City Power’s Corporate Investigations and Security Risk Management teams to work with the Hawks.

A sting operation was subsequently conducted in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, resulting in the technician’s arrest.

He appeared in court on Wednesday on an extortion charge.

City Power CEO Charles Tlouane welcomed the arrest, saying the utility would not tolerate employees abusing their positions to demand money from customers.

“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. City Power will not tolerate corruption, extortion or any abuse of an employee's position to solicit money from customers,” said Tlouane.

City Power said the alleged conduct was particularly concerning because customers experiencing outages are often already under pressure and should not be subjected to demands for payment to receive assistance.

The utility warned customers not to pay anyone who demands money to restore electricity, attend to a fault or facilitate a City Power service.

Suspected corruption, extortion or demands for bribes can be reported to City Power’s Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911 or 011 490 7553, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.

Customers are encouraged, where it is safe, to provide details that could assist investigators, including the person's name, employee or contractor details, vehicle registration, location and the nature of the demand.

City Power urged residents not to confront suspected offenders or put themselves in danger.