A man who, according to his neighbour, stole electricity from him by means of illegal connections, has been given a friendly warning by the municipality, much to the complainants disappointment.
“How did he only receive a friendly warning? He tapped my power and I had to pay for it,” said *Pieter, the resident whose power was tapped by the accused man.
Pieter said he reported the matter to the municipality. His neighbour, he said, had previously made illegal connections. But this was the first time he had tapped in on Pieter’s electricity supply.
“I was told by the municipality that my neighbour’s power was cut off for about two years.”
Lynn Pannall, a DA ward councillor, explained to the News that illegal connection issues are dealt with by the municipality’s electrical department.
“You can contact the department on 011 951 2440 after which an inspector would investigate the complaint,” she said.
Lynn added that if a person is found to have made illegal connections, he or she would be billed by the municipality for the amount used.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, said that a case of theft can be opened at the police station if there is suspicion that illegal connections are being made.
The News learned from trusted sources that the man was caught making illegal electrical connections and that the municipality will remunerate Pieter and charge his neighbour.
In recent news, The Red Ants, a multi-disciplinary company offering security services also to government institutions, clashed with Munsieville residents after they disconnected illegal connections in the township. Somewhat 150 Red Ants officials, local police officers and members of the Mogale City Electricity Department met early on 19 February to strategise how they were to enter the chaotic scene created by protesters.
*Pieter’s real name has been withheld because he wanted to remain anonymous for safety reasons.
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