ETHEKWINI Municipality is cautioning the public against a scam in which people are being duped into believing that their electricity connection is illegal and are then being bribed or intimidated into paying for the electricity to be reconnected.
EThekwini Municipality, Communications Unit spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said electricity customers in various township areas are being targeted by thieves who produce a fake letter allegedly from the municipality, threatening the customer that their supply is illegally connected and will be switched off and the cable removed if they do not pay their arrears. They then request that the customer pay an amount of money directly to them to prevent them from being disconnected.
“While the Municipality does send letters to customers who connect their services illegally, the public should be aware that at no stage should any payment be made to any individual in the field. Payments to the city are only accepted at the municipal banking halls and cashiers in authorised centres,” said Mayisela.
He said the City has a strict code of conduct when dealing with customers and encourages staff to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity at all times.
ALSO READ: NSFAS warns students to be aware of scams
“The public should ask for names and the company for which the contractor works. Contractors must always display ID cards and must be in red overalls, failing which they should not be allowed on the customer’s premises. The contractor must inform the customer of his or her intention. Any contractor vehicle must also display the company logo,” said Mayisela.
Customers may call at any of the Electricity Customer Service Centers to confirm the validity of the job being under taken or alternatively to call the Contact Center on 080 1313 111.
The Municipality warns residents that illegal connections are not only dangerous, but they cost the city millions of rand each year, making it difficult to ensure sustainability of supply and roll out of service delivery. The city appeals to those with information about illegal connections to come forward.
Should anyone encounter such illegal activity, report it to the City Integrity and Investigation Unit on 0800 202020 immediately.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
