Vanderbijlpark – Seven Emfuleni Municipality employees have appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.
The seven staffers allegedly ran a scam that involved unlawfully reconnecting disconnected electricity supplies for a fee.
The accused, who were arrested over the weekend, include 31-year-old David Seneekal, 39-year-old Caroline Smangele Maduna, 35-year-old Kenneth Zongezile Mahobe, 29-year-old Hlawutelo Baloyi, 36-year-old Pule Meshack Masilo, 48-year-old Andries Bafana Maduna, and 46-year-old Sibusiso Patrick Tshabalala.
David Senekal is the son of Freedom Front Plus Councillor Gerda Senekal, who is running for mayor of Emfuleni in the local government elections set for 4 November 2026.
Allegations were that between February 2024 and June 2026, the Emfuleni Municipality disconnected the electricity of businesses and individuals whose accounts were in arrears.
The state alleges that the accused approached the affected business owners and residents and offered to reconnect their electricity supply for a fee.
After receiving money from the complainants, the accused allegedly unlawfully reconnected the electricity and manipulated Emfuleni Municipality records to reflect a reduced amount owing on the affected accounts.
However, in the following months, the manipulated electrical account would inexplicably revert to reflect the initial amount owed.
However, the offending businesses and individuals would remain connected due to the illegal intervention allegedly by the accused.
Businesses and individuals wanting to have their electricity unlawfully reconnected allegedly paid various amounts into bank accounts belonging to the suspects.
The amount of electricity stolen in this manner was estimated to be worth R150 000.
The matter came to light when some of their “clients”, unhappy with the reinstatement of arrears, reported the matter to authorities at the Emfuleni Municipality.
After internal investigations, the municipality reported the matter to the police and the seven accused were arrested.
Five of the suspects were arrested during a takedown operation in Vanderbijlpark on Friday, 21 August 2026.
Two more suspects were arrested yesterday, Sunday, 23 August 2026.
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The court remanded all the accused in custody and adjourned the matter to next Monday, 31 August 2026, when their bail applications would be heard.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana warned that such offences erode public trust and prejudice communities that rely on municipal services.
“The NPA remains committed to prosecuting corruption, fraud, and crimes that undermine essential public infrastructure and service delivery,” said Mahanjana.
She said the NPA will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible for such crimes accountable.
