Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees linked to an alleged R10m electricity reconnection scam were granted bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court yesterday (September 14).

Relieved families and colleagues packed Court Room B to capacity as Magistrate Claudia Venter granted each of the accused bail of R20 000, reports Sedibeng Ster.

However, 25-year-old service provider Janitha van Reenen, who investigators allege masterminded the illegal reconnection scheme, remains in custody while her separate legal proceedings continue.

Investigators allege the network instructed cash-strapped municipal customers to make payments directly into private bank accounts in exchange for unauthorised electricity reconnections. The alleged scheme is believed to have cost the municipality close to R10m.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the court’s decision, while stressing that the granting of bail does not indicate whether an accused person is guilty or innocent.

“We note the ruling by the court to grant the seven accused R20 000 bail with conditions. It is also important to note that bail is to secure the accused’s attendance in court,” she said.

Prosecutors had opposed the release of the accused, citing concerns that they could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

As part of their bail conditions, the seven accused may not interfere with the investigation or witnesses.

They will remain on bail while the case proceeds. Van Reenen remains in custody pending the outcome of her separate bail proceedings.

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