City Power has disconnected electricity supply to seven hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg inner city during its latest enforcement operation aimed at tackling illegal connections and unpaid electricity bills.
The multi-agency operation, conducted together with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement authorities, took place on Thursday in parts of the inner city including Braamfontein, Hillbrow and Doornfontein.
The operation began in Braamfontein, where officials disconnected a hijacked building at Level 3. According to City Power, the building has previously been disconnected but illegal occupants allegedly reconnected electricity by tapping into supply from a neighbouring building that houses City Power infrastructure.
Authorities say unlawful occupants have allegedly used threats and intimidation to gain access to electricity through illegal connections. City Power says plans are underway to reinforce and secure access to the neighbouring property to prevent further illegal reconnections.
In Hillbrow, officials carried out another Level 3 disconnection at a poorly maintained building used mainly for residential accommodation. The building’s basement is reportedly operating as a car mechanical workshop, tyre fitment centre and tailor shop.
Although residents claim they are paying for electricity, City Power records indicate the account is in arrears by more than R12 million.
Another property targeted in Doornfontein, described as a repeat offender, was also disconnected after accumulating electricity debt of about R2.6 million.
Four additional buildings located on the same street in Doornfontein were also affected. Three of the buildings are severely dilapidated and in a critical state of disrepair. A fourth property, which was not initially scheduled for disconnection, was found during inspections to have an illegal connection to the electricity network and was subsequently cut off.
City Power’s Manager for Planned Maintenance at the Inner City Service Delivery Centre, Manoko Moyo, said none of the buildings targeted in the operation have identifiable registered owners.
Moyo emphasised that the operation is not only about recovering unpaid electricity bills but also about ensuring safety and compliance.
“All the buildings that we attended to were poorly maintained. City Power has a responsibility to supply electricity only to buildings and businesses that comply with municipal bylaws, safety standards and account payment requirements,” he said.
The utility says the operation forms part of broader efforts to curb illegal connections, reduce electricity losses and protect the safety and reliability of power supply in the inner city.
City Power has urged customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills to approach the utility to make payment arrangements. The entity offers Admission of Debt (AOD) agreements, which allow customers to settle outstanding amounts through structured payment plans.
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest City Power Service Delivery Centre to regularise their accounts and avoid disconnections.
