THE Pinetown Community Policing Forum (CPF) has warned residents about a man allegedly posing as a municipal official and threatening to disconnect their municipal services.

According to reports, the man visits homes claiming that residents have outstanding or unusually high municipal bills. He allegedly asks homeowners for money, promising to resolve the billing problem, but then disappears and does not return.

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Residents have also reportedly received messages from the person claiming to be an eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality official.

One message seen by residents reads:

“Pxxx Mxxxxzi from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. We have a scheduled disconnection for the property on xx xxxx Rd, Caversham Glen, Pinetown 3616 because the municipal account is in arrears. I tried calling you earlier on but the phone went to voicemail. We will be at the premises to terminate in the next two hours.” [Name and address withheld for safety reasons]

The message allegedly creates a sense of urgency by telling the recipient that their services are due to be disconnected within hours.

Pinetown CPF chairperson Justin Bosse said several incidents had been reported in the Ashley area, with cases opened in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspect.

“There have been a few incidents in the Ashley area. Cases have been opened. They are trying to catch the culprit, but it has been a mission,” said Bosse.

New Germany CPF chairperson Lynn Robson said they were aware of one incident and had issued a warning to residents’ groups in the area.

“We are only aware of one incident, but we have sent out a warning to the residents’ groups to be wary,” said Robson.

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The eThekwini Municipality also urged residents and businesses to remain vigilant against criminals impersonating municipal employees.

Municipality marketing and communications spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said legitimate municipal representatives carry official identification.

“All legitimate municipal representatives carry an official identification tag that includes a photograph, an employee or ID number, the municipal logo, and a validity period. Residents are urged to carefully check these details before granting access to their property,” said Mzila.

Mzila warned residents to contact the SAPS or their local law enforcement agency if they are uncertain about a person’s identity or notice suspicious behaviour.

“Residents are also advised not to allow unknown individuals onto their premises without proper identification. The municipality stresses the importance of remaining cautious and proactive.

“If a person cannot produce a legitimate municipal identity card, they should be denied access to the property. By staying vigilant, residents can help prevent crime and protect their homes, families, and businesses,” said Mzila.
Police were contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publishing.

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