Corrupt officials allegedly demanded cash to reconnect electricity in South Africa

• Corrupt officials allegedly demanded cash to reconnect electricity in South Africa, as seven individuals, including employees of the Emfuleni Local Municipality, have been arrested for soliciting bribes to reconnect customers' electricity supply.
• The alleged scheme took place between February 2024 and June 2026, with the suspects falsely posing as authorized officials to reconnect electricity supply and manipulating records to reflect reduced amounts owed.
• Prosecutors have indicated that more arrests and charges are expected, and the case has been postponed to 31 August 2026 for bail applications, with the suspects remaining in custody.