City Power in Johannesburg has started a serious operation to remove illegal electricity connections and disconnect people who do not pay their bills. This move, according to officials, is to stop the huge financial loss the company faces every year due to these unlawful connections.
The company said it loses over R2.5 billion annually because of people stealing electricity or connecting to the power grid without permission. Many of these illegal connections are found in informal settlements and backyard rooms, where demand for electricity is high and proper infrastructure is lacking.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, said the company is now focusing on areas where these illegal activities are common. He explained that while the utility understands the struggles of residents in informal settlements, connecting illegally puts a lot of pressure on the power system and causes regular blackouts.
According to Mangena, City Power wants people to start buying electricity legally. He said, “We are also helping residents of informal settlements register for Free Basic Electricity (FBE), so they can get access to electricity the right way. Once they are registered, we can also report the data to the National Treasury to get the right support.”
He added that the aim is not to punish people, but to make sure electricity is used properly and safely. The disconnection exercise is expected to continue in the coming weeks across various suburbs in Johannesburg. Community members have been warned to stop making illegal connections or face arrest and penalties.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the South African Police Service (SAPS)arrested two men in Meyersdal, Johannesburg, after they were caught with 30 unlicensed 9mm pistols. The men,aged 34 and 45, were picked up by a special anti-kidnapping unit after days of close monitoring across different provinces.
Police said the guns were meant to be taken to the Western Cape, where gang violence and illegal firearms are a growing problem. According to SAPS spokesperson, the suspects are believed to be part of a larger gun trafficking syndicateoperating betweenGauteng and Western Cape.
“The suspects were caught red-handed and are now facing several criminal charges, including illegal possession of firearms and conspiracy to commit crime. They will remain in police custody while investigations continue,” said one officer who was part of the arrest operation.
Security experts believe this operation is a big win in the fight against illegal arms in the country, especially in areas like Cape Town, where gang violence is on the rise. Authorities are also checking to see if the suspects are connected to any recent violent crimes.
In political news, Liam Jacobs, a formerDemocratic Alliance (DA)Member of Parliament, has officially taken over a seat in the City of Johannesburg Council. He is now a memberof the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and replacesKenny Kunene, who recently stepped down after a controversial incident.
Kunene had been in the news last week when police arrested him at the home of Katiso Molefe, a man suspected of murder. While Kunene claimed he was set up,PA President Gayton McKenzie said the party would appoint a law firm to investigate the issue and ensure the truth comes out.
McKenzie also said he personally does not know Molefe and rejected any reports linking him or the party to criminal activities. He explained that Jacobs’s appointment to the council is part of a bigger plan to prepare him for a mayoral race in Tshwane in 2026.
“Liam Jacobs is not just filling a seat. He is being prepared for a leadership role. He brings experience from his time in Parliament and understands our party’s goals,” McKenzie said.
The City of Johannesburg Council has seen several changes in recent months, as different political parties position themselves ahead of the next general elections.
These latest developments—City Power’s crackdown, the gun seizures, and political reshuffles—highlight how security, infrastructure, and leadership are key issues facing South Africa today.
As citizens face challenges such as load shedding, crime, and political uncertainty, efforts like these offer some hope for improvement, even as questions remain about transparency and proper governance.
