Hijacked buildings face blackout as city power chases R14.6 million debt

City Powerhas disconnected seven hijacked buildings across Johannesburg’s CBD, targeting properties with millions in unpaid electricity bills. The multi-agency operation exposed illegal reconnections and arrears totaling over R14.6 million. The crackdown, carried out alongside the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and other law enforcement authorities on Thursday, March 5, revealed hazardous living conditions, unstable structures, and makeshift businesses operating in dilapidated buildings across Braamfontein, Hillbrow, and Doornfontein.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the operation began in Braamfontein, where a repeat offender building was disconnected at Level 3 after occupants allegedly used threats and illegally tapped power from a neighbouring property. “This is not the first time the property has been disconnected. It remains a serious concern that unlawful occupants have allegedly resorted to threats and intimidation to facilitate illegal reconnections by drawing electricity through an adjacent building that houses City Power infrastructure.

Plans are now under way to reinforce and secure the entrance to the neighbouring property to prevent further unlawful access and possible illegal reconnections.” He further revealed that in Hillbrow, another Level 3 disconnection was carried out at a poorly maintained building housing residential units and a mix of businesses, including a car workshop, tyre fitment centre, and tailor shop. Although residents claim they are paying for electricity, City Power’s records show arrears exceeding R12 million. “The third targeted property, located in Doornfontein, was also disconnected at Level 3.

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This property is a repeat offender and is currently in arrears of approximately R2.6 million,” Mangena said. The operation concluded with four more buildings on the same Doornfontein street, three of which were in critical disrepair. The fourth, initially not scheduled for disconnection, was found to be illegally connected to the City Power network and was promptly cut off.

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