City Power disconnects hijacked buildings in Booysens and Turffontein
Some hijacked building were found to have over 30 units.
City Power, through the Reuven Service Delivery Centre (SDC), conducted a successful revenue collection operation on July 11, targeting hijacked buildings in Booysens and Turffontein that were illegally connected to the electricity grid.
Hijacked buildings remain a serious concern in Johannesburg, as they are often controlled by criminal syndicates involved in various illegal activities, including unauthorised electricity connections.
These unlawful connections not only compromise the safety of residents but also result in significant financial losses for the utility.
The operation was informed by detailed investigations and analysis into non-vending patterns at six identified properties.
The operation began in Booysens, where two adjacent hijacked buildings, comprising 21 and 35 residential units respectively, were found to be illegally connected to the City Power grid.
Both buildings were subjected to Level 3 disconnections, which included the removal of electricity meters. Level 3 disconnections are applied when illegal connections persist despite previous warnings or enforcement actions.
In Turffontein, the multi-disciplinary team, supported by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Calvin Security, proceeded to three additional properties.
These included two hijacked buildings containing 14 and 18 units respectively, where meters had been bypassed and electricity was being drawn illegally.
As a result, the team enforced Level 3 disconnections at these sites, removing key infrastructure, including meters and electrical cables.
A 500-metre aluminium cable, confirmed to have been stolen from City Power, was also discovered and confiscated at one of the properties.
The team later returned to Booysens to act on further intelligence regarding another illegally connected property, which was promptly disconnected.
The estimated value of the disconnections carried out during the operation is approximately R350 000.
Isaac Mangena from City Power said the operation forms part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the electricity grid, curb revenue losses, and clamp down on illegal connections across Johannesburg.
Residents are reminded that illegal electricity connections are a criminal offence and may result in arrest and prosecution.
Customers are encouraged to pay for their electricity usage and to approach the Reuven SDC to make payment arrangements if they are in arrears.
