Bail to handcuffs: Woman re-arrested outside court in R9.9m electricity case

After three failed bail applications, Van Reenen finally walked out of court on bail - only to be arrested moments later by investigators waiting outside.

Janitha van Reenen, 25, had barely walked out of the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court after securing bail when she was re-arrested outside the court in connection with an alleged R9.9 million electricity scam involving the embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality.

Van Reenen’s latest arrest came shortly after she appeared in court in a separate fraud case involving the same municipality.

According to reports, Van Reenen was granted bail by the Johannesburg High Court last Monday after three unsuccessful attempts to secure her release at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

Gauteng Political Killing Task Team arrested Van Reenen outside court on allegations that she was the mastermind behind an alleged syndicate involved in illegal electricity connections in Emfuleni.

The alleged syndicate includes seven other accused who are reportedly linked to the scheme as municipal employees and service providers.

Although police have not yet revealed her identity, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed her arrest on Thursday.

“She is expected to make her first appearance in court on Monday, September 7, 2026, facing charges of theft, damage to and theft of critical infrastructure, and money laundering,” Mathe said.

Mathe said the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a syndicate allegedly involved in illegal electricity connections and related criminal activities in Emfuleni.

“Police investigations are continuing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend all those involved in the illegal electricity connection network,” she said.

Van Reenen will join seven other accused who were previously arrested in connection with the alleged scheme, including Emfuleni officials and subcontractors working for the municipality.

The accused appeared in court this week to apply for bail and are due back in the dock next week to continue their bail applications.