Water theft crackdown: Mogale City loses R117m to 50 000 bypassed meters
Illegal connections will trigger swift enforcement, with offenders facing penalties and prosecution as infrastructure losses continue to place strain on local service delivery.
Residents found bypassing water meters will face immediate disconnection, fines of more than R16 000 and possible criminal charges, as Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) steps up enforcement against widespread water theft.
The municipality estimates it is losing R117m due to about 50 000 bypassed water meters across its area.
MCLM’s assistant manager for media and PR, Refilwe Mahlangu, said bypassing a water meter constitutes theft and would no longer be tolerated.
“To keep our head above water, we are aggressively targeting bypassed prepaid meters, which will be immediately disconnected,” Mahlangu said.
She warned that offenders could face a fine of R16 519.08, in addition to possible criminal charges for tampering with municipal infrastructure.
