Removal of illegal electricity wires at Emhlabeni informal settlement
EMHLABENI/Ezakheleni informal settlements near Mangosuthu University of Technology in uMlazi was turned into a dark city after their illegal electricity connections were removed by the Municipality last week. Chairman of Human Settlements and Infrastructure, Cllr Nigel Gumede said, “The programme to electrify informal settlements is underway and residents must be patient. We request members of the public to assist us by reporting those who demand bribes for illegal connections because legal customers are also affected by this act.” This was part of an intensive joint operation between the Electricity Unit, SAPS, Metro Police and a security company contracted by the Municipality to remove all illegal electricity connections in the informal settlement. About 868kg of cable was removed and about 350 houses were found to be connected illegally.
This unlawful act does not only pose a threat to those residing in the area, but it also affects innocent paying customers. Bongani Mbuyisa, Manager of Revenue Protection Division said, “Electricity theft is a crime and is also dangerous. Innocent lives are being lost and electrocuted as a result of these unlawful acts and three deaths were reported over the past three months.” While authorities were removing poles, wires and cables, the local communities were chanting slogans, insulting them and even making accusations that contractors who wear red overalls are the very same people who always come back after the disconnections to demand bribes so that they could electrify the area again.
Mr Mbuyisa said the allegations made has no evidence as “No Municipal Employee is allowed to collect monies from the members of the public other than at the Council’s Customer Services Pay Points where the receipt will be issued.” The communities are further warned to be more careful of the people who poses as Council Workers and to always call for positive identification.
The Municipality has engaged the service of private investigators who deals with these types of crime and they have made successful prosecutions. They are currently following the leads of the illegal connectors and the hot spot areas are visited frequently to eliminate such illegal connections.
Report the electricity theft cases to the Electricity Call Centre number 080 1313 111 and cable theft cases to (031) 311 9611.
GUGU MDLALOSE
gugu.mdlalose@durban.gov.za