Officials dismantle illegal electricity operations in Soshanguve to enhance safety
Officials in Soshanguve are intensifying efforts to combat illegal electricity theft, ensuring safety and reliability in power supply.
Officials in Soshanguve are intensifying efforts to combat illegal electricity theft, ensuring safety and reliability in power supply.
In a decisive move to combat rampant electricity theft and restore safety, officials launched a major operation in Soshanguve that resulted in the dismantling and disconnection of numerous illegal transformers and cables.
Captain Johan Van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, confirmed that on May 12, a targeted operation was carried out in the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve in collaboration with the Tshwane Metro Electricity Department and Tshwane Metropolitan Police.
The operation led to the successful confiscation of several transformers valued at approximately R800 000.
Van Dyk warned, Illegal electricity connections are not just against the law, they are a serious safety hazard.
'These unauthorised setups often lead to electrical fires, put people at risk of electrocution, and overload the power grid, causing outages that disrupt essential services such as clinics, schools, and businesses. We urge the community to report any illegal connections to protect lives and support proper service delivery.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Ghost workers drain billions from public funds
Ghost employees are being paid with taxpayer money, costing South Africa billions. This corruption must be rooted out with national audits and criminal prosecutions. The biggest problem facing public administration in South Africa – and the biggest opportunity for looters – is the lack of financial controls and even basic information on the government workforce. That is why it appears to have been a lucrative scam to create 'ghost workers' and then divert their salaries into the thieves' wallets. With a government salary bill of nearly R800 billion in this financial year – and a further R85 billion which is earmarked for employees in state-owned enterprises – the civil service is one fat cow waiting to be milked by the unscrupulous. Estimates are that there are probably tens of thousands of these bogus workers being paid like clockwork with taxpayer money… and that money, which probably runs into the billions, is what should be used for good works, development or even just to keep people from starving. The scale of the actual and possible looting is eyewatering. ALSO READ: How many ghost workers are there in government? The elimination of ghost workers at the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) alone saved it R200 million. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that ghost employees account for 8% of occupational fraud cases worldwide and experts believe this percentage could be even higher in South Africa, especially in government ranks, because of the lack of control and accountability. Other than Prasa, multiple cases of ghost workers have been revealed in sectors ranging from municipalities to government departments at provincial and national level. It is to be welcomed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the Special Investigating Unit to probe the ghost worker problem at Prasa… but it must go much further than that. Government directors-general must be told to audit their areas and if discrepancies are found, they must be dealt with. ALSO READ: More than R140 million in salaries paid to suspended government employees Anyone involved in these scams must be prosecuted and locked up because this is economic terrorism, plain and simple.


The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
SAPS arrest many in Ekangala, Bronkies
The SAPS arrested more than 280 people and recovered a firearm in the Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala areas on May 17. The arrests came through Operation Shanela in the SAPS Tshwane's high-impact crime-combating initiative, targeting the Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit policing precincts. Captain Johan van Dyk, the Tshwane district communication co-ordinator, said the operation saw 289 arrests for various offences. 'This success is attributed to focused deployment strategies and intensified law enforcement visibility, with specific attention given to liquor compliance and the apprehension of wanted suspects.' Detectives in the Tshwane district were responsible for 226 of these arrests. These included 75 arrests for GBV-related offenses, four for kidnapping, six for intimidation, four for attempted murder, 15 for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and one for rape. A roadblock in Ekangala and mobile tactical teams throughout the area saw 15 undocumented foreign nationals detained. 'Immigration authorities are processing these individuals for deportation,' said Van Dyk. Law enforcers searched 508 individuals and 281 vehicles, leading to 27 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. 'Additional targeted patrols of 11 identified hotspots resulted in 14 arrests and fines for public drinking. Officers arrested one suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm. 'The weapon, previously reported as stolen in Rietgat, will undergo forensic testing to determine if it was used in any other criminal activity. The suspect is under investigation for potential links to other offences.' Traffic law enforcement officers issued 81 AARTO infringement notices, amounting to R47 850 in fines, for various road traffic violations. Liquor inspections at 20 establishments saw officers close three premises and confiscate about 306l of alcohol. Under the leadership of the district commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, a multidisciplinary team comprising SAPS members, the Department of Home Affairs, the TMPD, the Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and CPFs from the respective stations executed this operation. Major-General Thine thanked all role players for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the operation's success. ALSO CHECK: House invader rapes and robs young woman in Leandra ALSO CHECK: Drug operation worth millions uncovered in Standerton: Here is what happened At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police operation nets close to 300 suspects
Tshwane police recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a fleeing suspect following a high-speed pursuit during crime-tackling operations in the area on May 24. Close to 300 arrests were made. The SAPS in Tshwane conducted a high-impact Operation Shanela, with 282 suspects arrested in the Ga-Rankuwa policing precinct. Major-General Samuel Thine personally commanded the operation, which brought together various law enforcement and community safety partners, including SAPS, Home Affairs, Tshwane metro police, Gauteng traffic police and wardens, and the local CPF. SAPS spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the arrests were for a range of criminal offences. 'This success reflects ongoing strategic deployments and intensified visibility operations aimed at rooting out crime and apprehending wanted suspects.' He said Tshwane District detectives were responsible for 229 of the arrests. 'Among them were, 64 suspects arrested for gender-based violence, 25 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 16 for fraud, 1 for conspiracy to commit murder, 9 for armed robbery, and 1 for rape,' he said. A roadblock and patrols conducted by two operational teams in Ga-Rankuwa resulted in the arrest of more suspects for various offences, including illegal immigration and illegal gambling. 'Targeted patrols at 22 identified hotspots resulted in several additional arrests and fines, including five for public drinking, one for illegal gambling, and two individuals apprehended for possession of a stolen Toyota Fortuner and housebreaking equipment.' He said the vehicle has been impounded for further investigation. Van Dyk added that the patrols led to the detention of 23 undocumented foreign nationals. 'These individuals are currently undergoing legal processes by immigration authorities for deportation.' He said in a separate incident during the operation, high-visibility police patrols led to the discovery of a suspicious vehicle. 'As officers approached, the driver attempted to flee, nearly colliding with police officers. 'A high-speed pursuit ensued, during which the suspect's vehicle caused property damage and endangered other road users.' He said the suspect has been apprehended and is facing charges of attempted murder, as well as reckless and negligent driving. 'Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the individual is linked to further criminal activity.' Van Dyk further said traffic enforcement units issued 19 Aarto infringement notices, amounting to R8 500 in fines. 'One suspect was arrested for driving without a licence and resisting arrest. 'Eleven vehicles were verified to ensure they were not stolen, and 15 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.' He said a total of 828 individuals and 421 vehicles were searched during the operation. He said liquor compliance inspections were conducted at 12 establishments, five were closed for non-compliance, and alcohol was confiscated. 'Major-General Thine expressed his appreciation to all participating stakeholders for their dedication, collaboration, and continued commitment to community safety,' he concluded. ALSO READ: 95 illegal immigrants arrested during Home Affairs raid at Plastic View Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!