Those continuing to connect electricity illegally will be fined R14,000 - says City Power
The power utility's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, spoke on Wednesday at an operation in Kliptown Square, a Johannesburg Social Housing Company project.
Kliptown Square residents speak to City Power officials to prevent them cutting illegal electricity connections on 29 January 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - City Power says people who continue to connect illegally to the power grid will be fined R14,000.
The power utility's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, spoke on Wednesday at an operation in Kliptown Square, a Johannesburg Social Housing Company project.
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The city officials were accompanied by law enforcement agencies, who were met with resistance and had to suspend the operation.
The protest became violent, with residents barricading the gates with burning tyres and emptying trash cans.
More police officers were called to assist, but the operation was suspended when the police were overpowered.
City Power said in December, their technicians installed new meters for residents there, including those illegally connected.
Mangena said they gave residents grace despite their transgressions.
“Those that were given new meters, we did say we are suspending the penalties -the R14,000 that were supposed to be paid - and we are doing it for free, on condition that you do not bypass. But if you do, you will pay the R14,000 before we reconnect you.”
He said these operations to disconnect non-payers would continue.