Police arrest alleged mastermind behind R9.9 million electricity syndicate
A major investigation into alleged municipal fraud has uncovered an electricity reconnection syndicate linked to about R9.9 million in losses at Emfuleni Municipality, with police identifying a 25-year-old woman as the alleged mastermind.
An investigation into alleged municipal fraud in Emfuleni Municipality, Gauteng, has expanded to include a R9.9 million electricity-reconnection syndicate, with a 25-year-old woman named Janitha van Reenen Coetzee identified as the alleged mastermind. Coetzee was arrested on May 20 in connection with a separate R424,000 fraud case and released on bail after securing R10,000 from the High Court.
She was subsequently rearrested on new charges related to the alleged electricity syndicate outside the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on September 3. According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the electricity investigation emerged from the Coetzee's fraud case when police examined her cellphone and uncovered WhatsApp conversations, as well as bank transactions.
The syndicate allegedly began operating in 2024, targeting six victims and causing financial losses to Emfuleni Local Municipality. Police allege that Coetzee instructed clients to pay money directly into her associates' bank accounts in exchange for illegal reconnections of electricity. The seven suspects previously arrested face charges including fraud, theft, money laundering, and tampering with essential infrastructure.
Legal expert Ephraim Lusenga noted that individuals who knowingly paid for illegal reconnections could potentially face prosecution based on their knowledge and intent. Emfuleni Mayor Hassan Mako expressed appreciation for the law-enforcement agencies' decisive action and emphasized the municipality's commitment to cooperating fully with investigations.
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