Malawian shop owner arrested for illegal electricity reconnection in Alexandra
The owner of The Brain Crew furniture store was apprehended for tampering with his meter and attempting to illegally restore his electricity supply.
The owner of a furniture manufacturing business was apprehended by City Power officials and security personnel after he was caught attempting to reconnect his electricity supply unlawfully.
Read more: City Power files charges against Lombardy West motor mechanic workshop owner
The incident unfolded at his store on October 28 after City Power disconnected his service due to alleged tampering with the meter.
This follows City Power’s recently initiated programme to normalise electricity payments in Alexandra, focusing mainly on businesses that are making a profit but do not pay for the city’s services.
When security approached the shop owner to discuss the incident, he vehemently denied attempting to reconnect the meter.
Also read: City Power urges prepaid customers to complete meter upgrades before deadline
Tensions escalated as he began to confront the security team while resisting their authority.
In a surprising turn of events, he fled the scene on foot, but officers caught up with him shortly after. When they attempted to restrain him, he continued to fight back, leading to the use of pepper spray to subdue him.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the owner remained defiant as he was handcuffed. “I will not back down,” he shouted, displaying a boldness that left witnesses astonished.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said they were committed to enforcing the law regarding electricity usage.
“We will not tolerate any form of tampering with our infrastructure. This recent incident underscores the lengths some individuals will go to circumvent the rules, ultimately harming the community and those who pay for their services fairly.
“We will continue to monitor and take action against offenders to ensure a reliable electricity supply for all,” Mangena said.
Following his arrest, the shop owner was taken to the local police station, with City Power filing a case against him for bridging the meter and attempting to reconnect illegally.
City Power disconnected 25 stores along 1st Avenue and Second Avenue which owed City Power about R200 000 in fines collectively.
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Related article: City Power disconnects services to recover R21.5m
