ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH 30 January 2019 For immediate release Illegal Connection Scam EThekwini Municipality would like to caution the public against a scam in which people are being duped into believing that their electricity connection is illegal and then being bribed or intimidated into paying for the electricity to be reconnected.
Electricity customers in the various township areas are being targeted by thieves who produce a fake letter allegedly from the Municipality, threatening the customer that their supply is illegally connected and will be switched off and the cable removed if they do not pay their arrears. They then request that the customer pay an amount of money directly to them so that the customer may not be disconnected.
While the Municipality does send letters to customers who connect their services illegally, the public should be aware that at no stage should any payment be made to any individual in the field. Payments to the city are only accepted at the municipal banking halls and cashiers in authorized centres.
The city has a strict code of conduct when dealing with customers and encourage staff to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity at all times. Members of the public should ask for names and the company for which the contractor works. Contractors must always display ID Cards and must be in red overalls failing which they should not be allowed in the customer's premises. The contractor must inform the customer of his or her intention. Any contractor vehicle must also display the company logo.
The Customers may call at any of the Electricity Customer Service Centers to confirm the validity of the job being under taken or alternatively to call the Contact Center No. 080 1313 111.
The Municipality would like to warn residents that illegal connections are not only dangerous, but they cost the city millions of rand each year, making it difficult to ensure sustainability of supply and roll out of service delivery. The city appeals to those with information to come forward.
Should anyone encounter such illegal activity, please report it to the City Integrity and Investigation Unit on 0800 202020 immediately.
ENDS
Issued by EThekwini Municipality, Communications Unit. Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela. For media enquiries contact 031 311 4820/18.
Please read this confidentiality disclaimer:
https://www.durban.gov.za/Pages/edisclaimer.aspx
