Madibeng Local Municipality has opened cases with the police against seven businesses in Hartbeespoort for tampering with municipal infrastructure.

Madibeng is busy disconnecting the electricity supply of defaulting customers in Hartbeespoort.

The businesses reconnected themselves illegally after their electricity supply was disconnected due to non-payment of municipal services and failure to make payment arrangements.
“The municipality is gravely concerned about the prevalence of tampering with municipal infrastructure, and through its revenue enhancement campaign, Operation Patela, it is taking legal steps against offenders. Such tampering can result in damage to the infrastructure and, especially where electricity is concerned, creates a serious risk for municipal technicians,” said spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala.
“The municipality is also burdened with heavy debt, owing Eskom, Randwater and the City of Tshwane for their bulk supply of water and electricity, while defaulting businesses and households owe the municipality over R4 billion for municipal services. Consumers are warned that accessing municipal infrastructure without authorisation is considered tampering, which results in a fine of R283 000. Reconnecting one’s property to the municipal grid without proper authorisation after disconnection is a criminal offence for which the municipality will lay charges.”