A FATHER and son, allegedly employed by a City Power contractor, were arrested for soliciting a bribe of R40 000 from a resident. It is alleged that a further R110 000 was to be paid before the end of the week.
The contractor’s services were procured by City Power for the purpose of conducting an audit on meters.
It is alleged that the suspects approached the resident, whose account is said to be in arrears, and told him that they would write-off his R500 000 debt provided a payment of R150 000 is made to them.
Allegedly, they demanded R40 000 before they could take any action on the account.
The resident agreed to pay the money to the contractor and requested that they come to his place of work to collect the cash. The resident then informed the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) team which set up a sting operation together with the members of the Hawks.
The suspects arrived at the resident’s workplace and collected the money. They requested that the resident pay the remaining balance of R110 000 as soon as the debt was written-off. They then attempted to leave the building and the Hawks pounced on them upon their exit.
It is alleged that these suspects are working with officials from City Power and the Revenue Department. The police are investigating this further.
City of Joburg executive mayor councillor Herman Mashaba said, “I would like to commend the resident who refused to be part of any corrupt activity and reported the matter to the City.
“Corruption has no place in this administration. We are working tirelessly, in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, to ensure that corruption becomes a thing of the past.”
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