- Senior supply chain manager suspended with immediate effect pending forensic investigation.
- Whistle-blower alleges multi-million rand extortion scheme involving service providers.
- Broader crackdown underway as governance crisis and financial strain deepen.
City Power has suspended a senior manager following allegations of extortion and corruption linked to a multi-million rand bribery scheme, intensifying scrutiny of governance within the Johannesburg utility.
The suspension of Manager RFQ in Supply Chain Management, Thabang Mashishi, comes after whistle-blower disclosures and media reports triggered internal and external investigations into irregularities within procurement processes.
According to City Power, the precautionary suspension is intended to allow a full forensic investigation to proceed without interference. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the measure was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process and ensure fair handling of the case.
The allegations centre on a conspiracy to extort millions of rand from a service provider, forming part of what officials describe as a broader extortion network operating within the utility. The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that additional staff members are being investigated for links to tender irregularities and bribery.
The latest development follows the earlier suspension of General Manager for Research and Development Marvin Baepi, who remains under investigation by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services. New allegations related to Baepi are expected to be incorporated into the ongoing probe.
City Power said these actions form part of a wider programme to address misconduct, enforce accountability and rebuild public trust in the institution.
The suspensions come against the backdrop of a deepening governance crisis in Johannesburg. Since 2016, unstable coalition governments have contributed to institutional instability, with corruption and administrative inefficiencies undermining service delivery.
City Power continues to face mounting operational challenges, including ageing infrastructure that has resulted in prolonged outages beyond the impact of national load shedding. Reports also point to criminal syndicates targeting electricity infrastructure, further exacerbating supply disruptions.
Financial pressures remain significant. In June 2025, City Power reached an agreement with Eskom to settle a debt of R3.2 billion over four years, while Eskom wrote off R830 million in penalties and interest. The agreement highlights the scale of financial strain facing the utility as it attempts to stabilise operations and restore credibility.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
