Watch out for bogus officials

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Residents from Ridgeway, Mondeor and Linmeyer have been complaining about individuals attempting to gain entry into their homes for various reasons.

These so-called officials show up at people’s homes and request to enter to install a gadget which will enable the municipality to control the geyser and electricity usage. In other instances, these officials state they are there to read the meter, replace a meter or do an audit on a meter.

Ward 54 councillor Sergio Dos Santos said that he has been following up on the matter ever since some alleged City Power officials came to his home, also wanting entry.

“I haven’t received anything from City Power yet, but I will follow up. A majority of the cases we’ve had, the officers have been legit but there is one or two cases that the people trying to gain entry were criminals,” said Dos Santos.

He advised residents to be careful when dealing with these individuals and to request the following when they are approached by the alleged officials: City Power identification card that should have a photo of that individual and no one else. The card must be valid and not expired, check the dates. The identification card must have City Power’s contact details at the back which residents should call to ascertain whether that individual is an official and should be at their residence.

City Power was contacted for comment although no response has been issued. The CHRONICLE will continue to try and obtain more information.