Latest news with #Mashava
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
City Power arrests 7 in major crackdown on copper theft and infrastructure sabotage
City Power (CP) confirmed the arrests of seven suspects over the past week, including three employees apprehended on Mandela Day. These arrests in Reuven and Lenasia were part of broader efforts to dismantle internal corruption, sabotage and theft threatening the city's electricity network. The most alarming development occurred in the early hours of July 18, when a trade assistant, cleaner and an Expanded Public Works Programme worker were intercepted while trying to exit CP's Reuven service delivery centre (SDC) with about 840 pieces of suspected stolen copper pipes. These goods, with a street value of over R200 000, were concealed in boxes inside a company vehicle. CP security officers detected the theft during a routine checkpoint inspection. The SAPS was immediately alerted and took the suspects into custody on site. All three now face criminal charges. 'It is disturbing and disappointing to find some of our staff allegedly involved in the theft of public infrastructure. These are people entrusted with safeguarding our network, yet they've betrayed that responsibility. We will pursue disciplinary action without fear or favour,' said CP CEO Tshifularo Mashava. These arrests came just days after a separate high-stakes operation in Denver, where CP security personnel, the SAPS, the JMPD and private partners came under fire during a shootout with suspected infrastructure vandals. On the night of July 13, at 23:20, security teams responded to suspicious activity on 485 Main Reef Road, Denver. Upon arrival, officers encountered criminals actively digging a 35m trench, believed to be part of a cable theft or sabotage operation. The criminals opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire under the cover of darkness. Fortunately, there were no injuries. A swift and co-ordinated response led to the arrest of three people, aged between 21 and 23, at the scene/ They face charges including housebreaking, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. 'The shootout in Denver underscores the dangerous and organised nature of these crimes. We are dealing with syndicates that are armed and unafraid to confront law enforcement. We commend the bravery of our teams and partners, and we will not relent in the fight to protect Johannesburg's electricity infrastructure,' added Mashava. These arrests form part of an ongoing internal clean-up campaign launched by CP in March. To date, 15 staff are undergoing disciplinary action, many of them linked to fraud, collusion with contractors and theft. Forty-seven disciplinary cases have been processed since March 2024, including multiple suspensions and one criminal prosecution. Those implicated include electricians, security officers, team leaders and senior managers. CP continues to urge employees, contractors and the public to come forward with any information about crimes targeting electricity infrastructure. All tip-offs are confidential. Call the call centre on 011 490 7900, toll-free on 0800 116 166, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
8-hour power outage to affect these areas in Johannesburg
City Power Johannesburg has implemented an 8-hour power outage for regular electricity maintenance. 'The interruption is necessary to do maintenance work on our network, which is part of our programme of constantly striving to provide a better service,' mentioned City Power. Customers are urged to always treat their supply points as live, as the power supply may be restored at any time. The power outage will occur at Roosevelt Substation on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, from 8:30 until 16:00 in these areas: Blackhealth Risidale Northcliff At DBC Switching Station on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, from 9:00 to 17:00, these are the areas affected: Exchange Bond Grand Central Market Diagonal Part of Old Pretoria Road City Power Johannesburg has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects, including three City Power employees, in connection with copper theft. According to City Power, the three employees, including a trade assistant, cleaner and an EPWP worker, were caught attempting to exit a service delivery station with approximately 840 pieces of suspected stolen copper estimated to be worth R200 000 concealed in boxes inside a company vehicle. Some of the copper recovered. IMAGE: City Power Johannesburg/X. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava expressed disappointment in some employees' involvement in the theft. 'It is disturbing and deeply disappointing to find some of our staff allegedly involved in the theft of public infrastructure. These are individuals entrusted with safeguarding our network, yet they have betrayed that responsibility. We will pursue disciplinary action without fear or favour,' said Mashava. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
08-07-2025
- The South African
City Power announces 8-hour power shutdown in Johannesburg
Twelve areas in Johannesburg will experience an 8-hour power shutdown on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Thursday, 10 July 2025 and on Sunday, 13 July 2025. City Power Johannesburg announced that the power shutdown is necessary to do maintenance work on their network. City Power said, 'The interruption is necessary to do maintenance work on our network, which is part of our programme of constantly striving to provide a better service.' The power shutdown will occur at different substations at different times. At Harry Galaun Switching Station, the power shutdown will occur on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, from 9:00 to 17:00 in these areas: Elias Road Part of Langeveld Part of Berger Street At Harry Galaun Switching Station, scheduled for Thursday, 10 July 2025. The power shutdown will occur from 9:00 to 17:00 in these areas: Pretoria Street Barbara Road At Soweto Substation, from 8:00 to 16:00, these are the areas that will be affected: Doomkop Doomkop Police Doomkop Military SANTA BP Garage In Westfield Substation, on Sunday, 13 July 2025, the interruption will occur from 9:00 to 17:00 in these areas: A power cable was stolen in Marshalltown on Monday, 7 July 2025, resulting in a power shutdown in some areas of the town. The areas affected are Marshall West, Anderson West, Main Street, Albert Street, Market Street, Fox Street and surrounding areas. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava allegedly believes that the theft was orchestrated. 'The sporadic targeting of our underground tunnel is not just theft; it is coordinated sabotage. These attacks are designed to collapse Johannesburg's energy backbone. We are facing an orchestrated attempt to reverse years of service delivery progress,' said Mashava. City Power urged the public to report any suspicious activity around electricity poles, meters or underground cables to contact 0800 002 587. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
02-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Elderly encouraged to apply for Free Basic Electricity
Did you know that all major metros offer a Free Basic Electricity programme? No matter if you live in Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town, such schemes offer tangible benefits to indigent residents in need of essential services. While Eskom has done well to keep the lights on so far this winter, tariffs hikes have made themselves felt. As such, Jo'Burg City Power is urging needy residents to take advantage of its Free Basic Electricity plan. So, how does it work? Illegal connections and a culture of non-payment have cost millions in lost revenue each year. Image: File The Free Basic Electricity arrangement offers 50 kWh of free electricity per month. Plus, exemption from R200 monthly surcharges and meter repairs. Not only is the initiative meant to broaden inclusivity, but City Power hopes it will reduce illegal connections and tampering that often knocks the grid out. Therefore, a registration drive (already underway) will run till the end of the month, Tuesday 31 July 2025, reports Daily Investor . The metro's goal is to register as many as 130 000 indigent customers. The registration drive lasts till the end of this month (31 July 2025). Image: File Moreover, City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava admits that Free Basic Electricity hopes to reintroduce non-vending customers to the culture of paying for services. Over the last year, it's been reported that illegal connections cost Eskom R220 million. 'Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in substantial revenue losses and the ongoing deterioration of the infrastructure,' says Mashava. Registered beneficiaries will also be considered for other city rebates. These include indigent support on property rates, water, and refuse removal. To qualify, applicants must be unemployed and have a monthly income not exceeding R7 500 per month. Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply. And you must supply a valid ID document, proof of residence, rates and taxes account and income verification, including a SASSA card if applicable. Retired older persons and single-parent households with newborns are encouraged to apply. Get in touch with your local municipality to find out more in your area. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
When is the deadline to register for free basic electricity?
Free basic electricity worth 50 kWh will be given to low-income households who can prove they meet the qualifying criteria. Low-income households in Johannesburg have one month left to register for access to a free allocation of electricity. City Power launched the free basic electricity drive in early June, and the registration deadline will pass on 31 July. The municipal entity listed several qualifying criteria, with CEO Tshifularo Mashava stressing the drive was part of a wider commitment to service delivery. Free basic electricity Residents who successfully register will receive 50 kWh of electricity for free every month and will also be exempt from City Power's R230 surcharge. Additionally, tampered and bypassed meters will be fixed free of charge and without any penalties, and beneficiaries will also be considered for other municipal tariff rebates. Mashava stated that by registering, residents were helping the city combat illegal connections and a culture of non-payment. 'This programme is about equity, accountability, and financial sustainability. With your cooperation, we can ensure no household is unfairly disconnected and no customer abuses the system to the detriment of others,' said the CEO. She stressed that a grace period for the normalisation of tampered, bypassed, and damaged meters would be in place until the 31 July deadline. 'This isn't just about electricity, it's about dignity. It's about a warm meal, a child doing homework under a lightbulb,' she added. Qualification criteria FBE is aimed at Sassa recipients, households with a combined monthly income of less than R7 500, pensioners, the unemployed, vulnerable individuals, and child-headed households. To qualify, residents must: Be South African citizens or permanent residents Be the legal occupants of the property Have a valid South African identity document Provide proof of residence and a municipal account Prove household monthly income is less than the R7 500 threshold City Power have set a registration target of 130 000 indigent customers, but lamented that it had 140 000 non-vending customers who were still not paying for basic services. City Power will have pop-up registration kiosks throughout the drive, and those who feel they qualify may also inquire at malls, South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) pay points and ward councillor-led campaigns. 'There is now no excuse. If you qualify, register and receive free basic electricity. If you can afford to pay and refuse, we will begin a mass disconnection initiative where we will be removing our meters and other equipment,' said Mashava. 'We are ready to assist. Now, we need the public to act. We don't want anyone left behind,' the CEO concluded. NOW READ: Here's how to manage household electricity usage as municipal tariff increases kick in
