Electrical tamper checks in Estcourt and Wembezi have again shone a light on a number of illegal connections.

Recent checks in Colita, Wembezi, Forderville, Brewitt Park and Gellington have revealed six illegal connections. The total cost estimated to have been lost by the municipality due to electricity tampering amounts to R262 252.16.

These customers face immediate electrical disconnection and will only be reconnected once they have paid the full amount, which includes the estimated tapering cost and council charges. In light of this, Umtshezi’s Acting Municipal Manager Elphas Dladla has sent a stern message to residents.

“Customers need to be made aware that even though they try to remove the tampers when they see the municipal electricity staff in their area, it does not mean that they are not going to be checked again.”
Mr Dladla also warns customers who are concealing meter tampering by purchasing small amounts of electricity that these purchases are being monitored and will be randomly checked.

“We urge all customers to bring to the attention of the electricity department any irregularities they might find with their meter, so that it can be attended to,” concluded Mr Dladla.