A Centlec employee has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure in Bloemfontein.
According to Centlec, an investigation led to the recovery of two streetlight fittings valued at approximately R27 619.86 at a private residence in the Bloemspruit area on Thursday (28/05).
Centlec said the operation followed a tip-off alleging that municipal property was being kept at the residence without authorisation. During the investigation, police and officials discovered two streetlight fittings belonging to the electricity utility.
“Preliminary findings suggest the employee allegedly removed damaged streetlight fittings during maintenance and replacement work and unlawfully retained them. Further allegations indicate that damaged Centlec infrastructure may have been stripped for copper components intended for personal gain” Centlec said in a statement.
The employee has since been arrested, while internal disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated. Centlec confirmed that the employee has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of both the internal investigation and legal processes.
The matter remains under investigation.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
