By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
City Power has dismissed the reports of a raid by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) known as Hawks at its headquarters in Johannesburg earlier today.
This follows an ongoing investigation into fraud and corruption worth more than R500 million at the municipal entity.
Fullview understands the investigation involves three large payments made to contractors, with the approval of City Power executives.
It involved R335 million for failed maintenance projects; this, despite internal warnings that the invoices were suspicious.
Another transaction is a deal for electrical infrastructure. Originally quoted at R8 million, City Power allegedly paid R100 million for the same supply.
A third case under the microscope is City Power’s decision to pay R55 million to an external firm to handle managerial duties already covered by in-house senior staff.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, clarified that the Hawks’ visit did not constitute a formal search-and-seizure operation.
“There was no raid, there was no confiscation of any documents, of any IT equipment or even files and there was no interrogation of any of our executives. We can, however, confirm that members of the Hawks did visit City Power and delivered a formal request for information to the business. We will, as City Power, cooperate fully with this lawful request.”
This investigation comes at a critical time for Johannesburg, where the power supply remains fragile and public faith in municipal leadership is waning. While the Hawks have not yet made arrests, this signals that the gloves may be off.