When Madibeng municipality revisited properties in Brits where they had disconnected the electricity supply the previous week, a number of properties were found to be reconnected illegally.

Madibeng Municipality followed up on disconnections.

A number of properties’ supply was disconnected during the municipality’s Operation Patela to enhance revenue collection. “While some property owners came forward to settle their accounts or make payment arrangements, other business properties did not. When the team did a review to ascertain the reasons for continued non-payment, six properties were found to be reconnected without the municipality’s authorisation,” the municipality said.
“Reconnecting one’s property without following proper procedures is illegal. Tampering with electricity kiosks, meters, or any municipal infrastructure incurs a fine of R283 000 by law, which must be paid before settling one’s account and being reconnected. Evidence of the reconnections was collected, fines were issued, the properties were cut off, and the municipality will open criminal cases against the property owners.”
“In Letlhabile, four criminal cases have already been opened against businesses for reconnecting themselves without authorisation from the municipality.”
Operation Patela is the municipality’s ongoing revenue enhancement programme that tackles non-payment for services and illegal connections in Madibeng. Account holders have a responsibility to ensure that they receive monthly billing statements from the municipality and that their accounts are in good standing. Those who do not get their statements should visit the municipality to update or correct their information, as they are still liable for the services they consume, and failure to pay will result in their electricity supply being switched off.”
Account holders who are in arrears are encouraged to settle their accounts or approach the municipality to make a payment arrangement.