VANDERBIJLPARK – To crack down on power thieves, Emfuleni Local Municipality MMC for Finance and Revenue Hassan Mako took to the streets of SE 7 as he led a hard-hitting operation to disconnect electricity offenders.
This comes after a joint operations team moved with military precision last Monday targeting known offenders and pulling the plug on illegal connections.
According to Mako, electricity theft is a rampant issue plaguing Emfuleni and does not only drain municipal coffers but also endangers the lives of innocent residents.
“There are a high number of households in this area that owe the municipality millions of rands. As we were about to disconnect, we saw a lot of bridging and a lot of illegal connections.”
According to Mako they will be monitoring the area daily to make sure power theft is curbed.
“SE 7 is the first, but certainly not the last. We will also roll out this project to other areas. We are saying to those who have been doing wrong to stop. We urge residents to come forward and pay the municipality rates,” he said.
As the operation unfolded, reactions from the community were mixed.
While some residents expressed their shock and outrage, others voiced support for the tough stance applied by the municipality.
One of the longest-residing residents, Thabo Mokoena said: “It’s about time someone did something. We have engaged with the municipality on this issue and we honestly have lost hope that action was going to be taken. There are several mushrooming illegal varsity accommodations, which are crippling us and constantly plunge us into darkness.”
Thandi Molefe added on the words of Mokoena, saying: “We’ve had enough of these freeloaders putting everyone at risk. We are happy that the municipality is taking action. Hopefully those who are cut off, won’t call their people to reconnect them and continue living freely.”
