Tebogo Msimanga |
A 55-year-old business man in Roodepoort CBD was arrested on Monday for bribery after he offered City Power officials almost R25 000 not to have his electricity cut.
The business is one of the many that were targeted by City Power during a #KleenaJoburg operation led by MMC Mpho Moerane since last week.
City Power Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the business owner approached officials to negotiate leniency after his Panel Beater business was found to be stealing electricity.
“It is not clear how long the man operated the business without paying for electricity but he is estimated to owe the City about R3.4 million over a period of three years. He offered R5000 to the senior technician who was leading the disconnection, and R10 000 each to the two City officials.” said Mangena.
The business man was taken by the Hawks to Roodepoort police station today where he was charged with with corruption and bribery.
Mangena said this should serve as warning to others to stop bribing officials and to start paying for electricity.
