City Power Cracks Down on Illegal Connections, Undocumented Migrants Arrested in Joburg CBD

City Power Cracks Down on Illegal Connections, Undocumented Migrants Arrested in Joburg CBD

Johannesburg — Scores of undocumented migrants have been arrested in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) as City Power ramps up efforts to disconnect illegal electricity connections at hijacked buildings and scrap metal dealers. The utility aims to curb revenue losses and improve the city’s electricity grid capacity.

The joint law enforcement operation targeted several hijacked buildings, with police vans reportedly filled to capacity as arrests were made. Officials said at least seven locations were part of the operation today.

Sergeant Taylor, Chief Risk Officer at City Power, confirmed that five buildings alone owe approximately R60 million in unpaid electricity. “Each building owes more than R5 million. In one building, we discovered informal settlements inside, which raises serious safety concerns,” Taylor said.

The raid revealed shocking conditions inside some of the buildings. Makeshift rooms were found housing women and children, some as young as six months old. Illegal electricity connections were removed by City Power electricians, while the authorities continue investigations to hold property owners accountable.

City Power emphasized that the operation is part of a broader effort to protect residents, secure revenue, and ensure safety in Johannesburg’s CBD. Officials urge building owners and occupants to comply with legal electricity connections to prevent further legal and safety issues.