Protesting Sheffield informal settlement residents on Tuesday demanded that a cable used to illegally connect electricity be returned to them.

This after Pro Secure security guards allegedly disconnected and removed the cable on Monday.

One of the residents, Sinenhlanhla Mcanyana, said they previously had connected to neighbouring houses, but had to stop because residents complained.

“We are now connecting to the street lights that belong to the municipality.

We are entitled to services from the municipality. We really do not know how this affects anyone,” Mcanyana said.

“The other thing is that it was only security guards who disconnected the cable, not municipal workers. We asked them to return the cable that we bought with our money, but they took it. We want it back.”

KwaDukuza municipality spokesperson Sipho Mkhize said the community should stop misleading the media.

“They are there illegally and the only thing that stands in the way of their eviction is an interdict obtained by Abahlali Basemjodolo.

“Nobody is entitled to stolen electricity. Pro Secure is contracted by the KwaDukuza municipality to bolster security efforts. Among the services they offer is dealing with land invasion and associated activities,” said Mkhize.

Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan said illegal electricity connections was a blatant act of criminality.

“This cannot be allowed, especially with energy losses currently crippling the municipality.

“Local government cannot be held to ransom by individuals or entities that seek to commit illegal acts,” said Makhan.

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