Businessman arrested for obstructing City Power disconnection operation

A businessman believed to be involved in the illegal reconnection of electricity across several areas in the south of Johannesburg has been arrested.

The arrest occurred while City Power teams were conducting a disconnection operation targeting non-compliant businesses in Nancefield.

To ensure safety and order, the technical teams were accompanied by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers and private security personnel.

While the disconnection phase of the operation was described as "smooth sailing"—with no business owners disrupting the technicians' work—tensions flared during the final debriefing. As officials and police were concluding their duties for the day, the businessman arrived on the scene and used his vehicle to block JMPD transport.

According to witnesses, the man approached the group while shouting at the police, questioning their presence, and issuing threats toward City Power officials. The individual reportedly refused to allow the police to proceed with their exit.

The situation escalated during a heated exchange between the businessman and law enforcement:

Businessman: "I’ve got a court case against that guy."

Acting Chief of Police: "Sir, can you please leave? I’m busy talking."

Businessman: "I’m not going to talk to you; you were rude to me."

Police: "So you want to be rude to us?"

Following the confrontation, officers placed the man under arrest. He currently faces charges of interfering with police duties and threatening law enforcement officials.

City Power has indicated that the crackdown on non-compliant businesses and illegal reconnections will continue as part of their ongoing efforts to secure the city's power grid.