City Power targets Lenasia’s R250 million debt as ‘lowest buying’ region

Joburg City Power has labelled Lenasia the lowest electricity-buying region in the entire city, revealing that the area currently owes more than R250 million in unpaid debt.

The announcement came during a massive "cut-off" operation conducted by the utility today. Due to rampant threats against technicians, City Power officials were escorted by a heavy guard of JMPD officers and private security personnel to ensure the safety of the teams while they executed their duties.

During the operation, police apprehended a man notorious for repeatedly threatening City Power officials and obstructing service disconnections. According to the utility, the suspect had previously mobilised private security to block technicians from leaving an area until they restored power to illegal connections.

Upon searching the suspect’s vehicle today, police discovered an unattended firearm hidden under the car seat. Authorities believe this weapon has been used to intimidate utility workers in the past.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena noted that the individual had been actively encouraging a culture of lawlessness in the community.

"He is busy going around telling the businesses and the residents that they do not have to pay for electricity, they can use electricity for free," Mangena said. "He has instigated that they attack our technicians every time they come."

Mangena expressed hope that this arrest would signal a turning point for the region’s compliance with the law.

The utility remains deeply concerned by the lack of revenue coming from the area, which has hampered its ability to maintain the local grid.

"Lenasia is the lowest buying region in the City Power books, so it is very concerning," Mangena added. "This is something we are going to follow up to make sure that we force some of these residents, and the businesses [to pay]."

In addition to charges related to electricity interference, the suspect faces charges of interfering with the work of police and threatening law enforcement officers.