A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Hillbrow after allegedly demanding R5 000 from a resident in exchange for not disconnecting electricity and water services, while posing as a municipal official.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, June 22, following a joint operation between City Power security teams, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and a community informant at a residential building on Mitchell Street.
City Power said the case has exposed a worrying pattern of suspects allegedly using municipal branding and access credentials to extort money from residents under false pretences.
“This development is deeply concerning. Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in exploiting municipal identities and contractor credentials to gain the trust of residents and carry out criminal activities. Whether these credentials are genuine, expired or fraudulent, they undermine public confidence and pose a significant threat to service delivery and infrastructure security,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.
The suspect is alleged to have demanded R5 000 from a resident in exchange for not carrying out a disconnection of essential services, including electricity and water.
