The City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU) arrested a man who was caught swindling residents of large sums of money. He was arrested in Phoenix this week, claiming he could assist homeowners to nullify accounts in arrears.

 

Head of CIIU Mbuso Ngcobo said the City would not tolerate the exploitation of residents through planned criminal activity.

 

“It is alleged that the man is operating with a Municipal official. He was misleading residents by alleging that he works for the eThekwini Electricity Unit. Homeowners were promised that their electricity bills would be written off. Investigations revealed that residents have been paying R5 000 and above to the culprit. The accused appeared in court on 1 November, with the cased remanded to 30 November.”

 

Ngcobo said the man has been charged with three counts including tampering and destroying essential infrastructure, impersonation, and extortion.

 

Residents are to urged to verify the details of Municipal staff who are executing their duties.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.

For more information contact 060 966 4220.