Eighth suspect nabbed as alleged Emfuleni electricity syndicate mastermind

Police have arrested an eighth suspect believed to be the mastermind behind an alleged network involved in illegal electricity connections and the theft of critical infrastructure in the Emfuleni Local Municipality.

The suspect, a woman, was arrested by the Gauteng Provincial Key Points Task Team (PKTT) on Thursday, shortly after she was released on bail in an unrelated matter.

In a statement police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said she is expected to appear in court on Monday, 7 September 2026.

She faces charges including theft, damage to and theft of critical infrastructure, as well as money laundering.

Her arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected syndicate allegedly operating an illegal electricity connection network in the Emfuleni area.

Police believe the network is linked to illegal reconnections and other criminal activities targeting electricity infrastructure.

The arrest brings the number of suspects linked to the investigation to eight as detectives continue working to uncover the full extent of the alleged operation.

SAPS said investigations are ongoing, with police focused on identifying and arresting other people who may be involved in the network.

Police have urged those with information about the illegal electricity connections and related criminal activities to assist investigators as the probe continues.