A WESTVILLE resident was recently targeted by imposters posing as municipal workers extorting money from unsuspecting customers.

eThekwini Municipality said in a statement that the customer received an SMS claiming that a municipal team was on its way to disconnect their electricity supply due to alleged arrears.

“The message was fraudulent as the customer had no outstanding debt and was on a prepaid meter. The individual behind the SMS falsely represented themselves as an official from the Energy Management Directorate’s Revenue Protection Branch and attempted to cause panic to extort money,” said the City.

Following a number of incidents reported, the eThekwini Municipality’s Energy Management Directorate has cautioned residents to be on high alert.

Also read: Palmiet River Watch calls for accountability and urgent action

Despite ongoing internal investigations into possible involvement of staff members, the City said these criminals continue to prey on residents across various communities.

The Directorate’s Revenue Protection Branch senior manager, Nathi Nkwanyana, expressed concern over the growing number of such incidents, stating that these criminal activities appear to be spreading to different parts of the city.

“We are working closely with the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate (CIID), as there is great suspicion that internal staff members may be part of this syndicate. The fact that criminals have access to customers’ personal information is deeply concerning. The safety of our residents is of paramount importance, and we do not condone any form of criminality,” said Nkwanyana.

Residents are urged to assist the Municipality in combating this scourge by:

· Reporting any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement authorities:

– SAPS 10111 or

– the City’s Integrity and Investigations Directorate on 0800 20 20 20.

· Always verifying the identification of any person claiming to be a City official before granting them access to their property.

· Refraining from making any payments to individuals posing as municipal employees. All payments must be made only at official municipal offices or through approved City payment channels.