Suspected Syndicate Targets Pretoria North with Illegal Power Cut-OffsResidents Warned

Residents in Pretoria North have raised concerns about a rise in suspected illegal electricity disconnections, alleging that individuals posing as municipal officials are targeting them and demanding thousands of rand to restore power.

The Tshwane metro has issued an urgent warning following multiple reports of suspected fraudulent activity, cautioning residents to remain vigilant and avoid making payments outside official municipal channels.

The metro mentioned that the incidents may point to a possible syndicate operating across affected communities.

Residents’ Experiences

In Wolmer, resident Elijah Petrus said the situation has left her family fearful and uncertain.

“We were approached by people who looked official, with uniforms and a vehicle. They said we had an illegal connection and needed to pay immediately or stay without power. It didn’t feel right, but they were very convincing.”

On West Street, resident Thabang Malema shared a similar concern.

“They told us to go to Rosslyn and pay a huge amount. When we questioned it, they drove away and that’s when we knew something was wrong.”

Councillor’s Response

Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said the matter is being treated with urgency.

“We are receiving multiple complaints, and it is extremely concerning. Whether this is isolated or part of a broader organised operation, we are treating it as a priority.”

He stressed that no legitimate metro official would ever demand cash payments on site or conduct disconnections without proper documentation and due process.

The matter has been escalated to senior officials, with a request for an urgent investigation. Law enforcement agencies are being engaged to determine whether a criminal syndicate may be involved.

Metro’s Official Process

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo emphasised that legitimate electricity disconnections follow strict and transparent procedures.

“Fines, where applicable, are formally billed to a customer’s municipal account and can be settled through recognised city payment channels, not through direct or informal arrangements.”

He also clarified that residents are not required to visit the Hatfield electricity office to make payments.

The metro has distanced itself from reports of suspicious messages offering reduced fines.

“The metro does not send any messages to customers offering reductions of fines. Any such communication should be reported to SAPS or TMPD.”

DA’s Concerns

The DA in Tshwane previously called for an urgent investigation into what it describes as a possible organised extortion scheme.

DA finance spokesperson, councillor Jacqui Uys , said individuals have been witnessed disconnecting electricity and removing meters without providing documentation.

In some cases, residents who question the charges are later contacted via WhatsApp and offered a reduced “settlement” fee of around R3,000 to make the issue disappear.

The Bottom Line

Fraudsters posing as officials. Branded vehicles. Uniforms. Disconnections. Demands for cash.

The metro says: never pay on site. Never trust unofficial messages. Report suspicious activity.

A syndicate may be operating. And Pretoria North is in their sights.

{Source: Citizen}

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