City Power suspends supply chain manager over extortion allegations

Thabang Mashishi faces internal and external investigations following whistleblower complaints involving contractors.

Johannesburg's City Power has placed supply chain manager Thabang Mashishi on precautionary suspension pending investigations into allegations of extortion involving current and former contractors¹². The suspension follows media reports and a whistleblower complaint².

Mashishi, who serves as Manager RFQ in the Supply Chain Management division, will face both internal and external investigations¹. City Power said the suspension was necessary to safeguard the investigative process and ensure matters are dealt with fairly and without interference¹.

Senior City Power officials allegedly extorted more than R2 million from the whistleblower, who has been contracted to the utility for years, with payments often made in cash ranging between R100,000 and R250,000².

Marvin Baepi, general manager of research and development, remains on suspension following a separate case involving similar allegations¹². He is under investigation by the City of Johannesburg's Group Forensic and Investigation Services¹. City Power said the latest allegations will be incorporated into the existing investigative and disciplinary processes relating to Baepi's case¹.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the steps form part of ongoing efforts to root out corruption². The entity said these actions are part of a broader programme to address wrongdoing, enforce accountability and restore public confidence in the institution¹.

The programme began a year ago when suspected collusion and price-fixing between some managers and contractors were uncovered¹. Many remain suspended, with some fired, while ties were cut with certain contractors implicated¹.

Acting CEO Charles Tlouane said the organisation will act against any form of corruption or unethical conduct¹. Mangena added that over the past year the utility intensified efforts to address wrongdoing and collusion, resulting in several dismissals and suspensions².