Municipality cracks down on illegal connections in Mhluzi
The initiative was conducted following an audit that uncovered massive unpaid electricity debts.
The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality disconnected electricity to several homes in Mhluzi Ext 5 and Ext 23 on Tuesday following a targeted audit of prepaid meters.
During the crackdown, officials from the electrical department uncovered widespread meter tampering, illegal bypasses and properties where residents had not bought electricity for extended periods.
The audit exposed massive unpaid bills, with individual household debts reaching as high as R346 000, R168 000 and R19 000.
Municipal spokesperson Lerato Kgomo confirmed that power was cut immediately to all non-compliant properties.
She added that affected homeowners will be held responsible for both their outstanding debts and tampering fines.
“The municipality is under financial strain, and we will not announce where we are going in advance because people will hide from municipal officials. We will conduct unannounced visits to properties with illegal connections,” said Kgomo.
The municipality emphasised that these meter audits will continue across all wards to fight electricity theft, protect local infrastructure and ensure reliable service for paying customers.
