A man accused of posing as a City of Tshwane electricity contractor has been arrested in Soshanguve after he was allegedly caught illegally reconnecting electricity to a residence in exchange for payment.
The arrest was made by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Cable Theft Unit on Saturday, 11 July, following information received from community members about suspected illegal electricity reconnections in Block XX, Soshanguve.
According to a TMPD media statement, officers responded to the scene after receiving a tip-off and found a man actively reconnecting electricity at a property that had previously been disconnected by the City of Tshwane.
Police said the suspect’s vehicle displayed a City of Tshwane contractor sticker, prompting officers to request documentation authorising him to carry out work on municipal electricity infrastructure. The statement said further investigations revealed that the individual was neither employed nor contracted by the City of Tshwane.
The media statement further alleged that cash believed to have been paid for the illegal reconnection work was found in the suspect’s possession during his arrest. The suspect was subsequently detained and is expected to appear in court on charges relating to tampering with municipal infrastructure.
Illegal electricity connections and cable theft continue to pose significant safety risks to residents, often resulting in prolonged power outages, damage to municipal infrastructure and financial losses for the City. The practice also exposes communities to the risk of electrocution and electrical fires.
Some Soshanguve residents welcomed the arrest, saying they hope it sends a strong message to those involved in illegal electricity activities.
Thabang Molefe, a resident of Block XX, said the arrest was long overdue.
“People have been pretending to be contractors and taking advantage of residents who are desperate to get their electricity back. We hope this arrest will discourage others from doing the same because it puts all of us in danger.”
Maria Madima, in Soshanguve said cable theft and illegal electricity connections have become a recurring problem in the community.
“We are the ones who suffer when cables are stolen or electricity is connected illegally. Sometimes we stay without power for hours or even days, and children cannot study while small businesses also lose income.”
Another resident, Koketso Kgomo, said community members have an important role to play in protecting municipal infrastructure.
“The police cannot be everywhere. As residents, we must report suspicious activities. We want reliable electricity, and that starts with protecting what we have.”
In the media statement, TMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Yolanda Faro commended community members who reported the alleged illegal activity, saying public cooperation plays an important role in protecting municipal infrastructure. She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving electricity infrastructure to the TMPD.
Attempts to get additional comment on the arrest, the prevalence of illegal electricity reconnections and measures being implemented to curb cable theft in Tshwane. However, no response had been received.
