The theft of electricity and other municipal services is a serious offence. (Photo: Provided)
Two persons were arrested and a large illegal power connection in Pretoria, for which residents reportedly paid R45 000, was disconnected during a targeted enforcement operation in the industrial area in Pretoria.
Flora Monamana, mayoral committee member for corporate and shared services in the Tshwane metro, says the operation was carried out along Research Street in the city at a site where illegal recycling facilities were operated on municipal land.
She says officials were resisted with violence at the scene. They then returned later to complete the operation, which included the excavation of remaining illegal cables and the removal of waste related to the unauthorized activities.
The intervention spanned two days. One person was arrested for impersonating a city contractor.
The theft of electricity and other municipal services is a serious offence. (Photo: Provided)
Tools and a vehicle were seized. A second person was arrested for assaulting city officials.
Monamana says the theft of electricity and other municipal services is a serious offence. “It undermines service delivery, disrupts the city’s revenue base, and places an unfair burden on residents who do pay for services.”
She says the municipality will not be intimidated. “The committee will continue with enforcement operations and those found guilty of theft of services will experience the full force of the law.”
Monamana says the Neglected Buildings Committee will continue with compliance operations to restore accountability, and ensure all properties operate within the framework of the law.