Seven people facing charges over an alleged R10 million electricity scheme involving Emfuleni Local Municipality have been released on R20 000 bail each.
The Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court granted bail to David Seneekal, 31, Caroline Smangele Maduna, 39, Kenneth Zongezile Mahobe, 35, Hlawutelo Baloyi, 29, Pule Meshack Masilo, 36, Andries Bafana Maduna, 48, and Sibusiso Patrick Tshabalala, 46.
They face charges including fraud, theft of electricity valued at about R9.9 million, a further R150 000 fraud and theft charge, money laundering and tampering with essential infrastructure.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that between February 2024 and June 2026, Emfuleni disconnected electricity supplies to businesses and residents whose municipal accounts were in arrears.
According to the State, the accused allegedly approached some affected consumers and offered to reconnect their electricity in exchange for payment.
It is alleged that after receiving money, they unlawfully restored electricity supplies and manipulated municipal records to show lower outstanding balances.
The NPA says some consumers later found that their municipal accounts had returned to the original amounts owed before they were approached, while their electricity remained connected through the alleged illegal reconnections.
Affected consumers reported the matter to Emfuleni Municipality, which conducted an internal investigation before referring it to the South African Police Service for further investigation.
The seven accused were arrested on 21 August 2026.
The State opposed bail, but the court ruled that releasing the accused was in the interests of justice.
Their bail conditions include attending all court proceedings, remaining at their stated addresses and informing the investigating officer of any address changes.
They must also report to Vanderbijlpark Police Station every Monday and Friday between 06:00 and 18:00.
The accused have been prohibited from leaving South Africa and must surrender their passports. They are also not allowed to apply for new travel documents or interfere with witnesses and the investigation.
The case will return to court on 18 September 2026 for the bail judgment of the eighth accused, Janitha Van Reenen Coetzee.
