Electricity contractor loses deal after employees rip off City Power customers

Two City Power contractors were arrested this week after intimidating and robbing customers in Fairlands, Johannesburg. 

According to a report by the electricity provider, the two gained access to a property in Fairlands near Cresta posing as City Power workers there to check the meters.

They are alleged to have intimidated the owner and stolen cellphones, laptop and car keys before leaving the scene.

Stolen property, including a car, were recovered by security officers and police.

City Power said it was discovered that the two were also wanted for a series of house robberies across the city.

The vehicle recovered was found to have been stolen in a house robbery in Fontainebleau two weeks ago.

According to City Power, the two have been identified by their Risk Control Unit as working for a contractor at the utility.

The power entity condemned the actions of the two contractors and said they have blacklisted them and cancelled the contract with the company they work for.

“City Power does not tolerate any level of criminality, corruption or intimidation of our customers.

“Customers are encouraged to report officials who try to solicit bribes from them when they visit their properties to do maintenance, audits and/or meter readings.

“City Power employees and contractors are there to provide a service and customers should not give in to demands for bribes or payment of their outstanding debt to the employees.

“We urge customers to be vigilant and properly check contractor cards to verify the identity of the person before allowing them onto their property. All City Power contractors are expected to be carrying their identification cards with them at all times and each card has an expiration date and a telephone number at the back to verify the credentials.”

Call local police, or City Power's security room on 011 490 7900/7553 to report any dishonest conduct by service providers. 

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