In a targeted operation underscoring the City of Tshwane’s zero-tolerance approach to revenue loss and infrastructure vandalism, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officers apprehended two men in Akasia on Wednesday for the alleged illegal reconnection of electricity at a property with a staggering municipal debt exceeding R240,000.
The operation, which unfolded in a quiet suburban street, was the culmination of investigative work following the City’s lawful disconnection of the property earlier this year. According to City officials, the homeowner had accrued the massive arrears, with no payment made for municipal electricity services since 2024. The disconnection was part of the City’s ongoing, aggressive #TshwaneYaTima credit-control campaign.
“Our officers acted on intelligence and surveillance, finding the suspects in the act of tampering with the electrical infrastructure, blatantly attempting to restore power without any authorization,” stated Tshwane Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya. “This is not a victimless crime. The outstanding amount of over R240,000 represents a direct theft of services, a loss that must ultimately be borne by all paying, law-abiding citizens and businesses of Tshwane.”
The suspects, whose identities are being withheld pending their court appearance, were charged on-site with tampering with essential electrical infrastructure—a serious offence categorized under the unlawful interference with municipal services. The charge carries the weight of significant legal consequences, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment.
A Broader Crackdown on Non-Payment and Infrastructure Abuse
This arrest is not an isolated incident but a pointed example of the City’s multi-pronged strategy to safeguard its financial sustainability and physical assets. The #TshwaneYaTima campaign has seen teams, often accompanied by TMPD officers for security, conducting daily operations across all regions of the capital. These operations target both residential and commercial properties with long-outstanding debts, resulting in thousands of disconnections.
“The message is clear: payment for services is not optional,” emphasised Mr. Piet Mahlangu, Acting Head of the City’s Revenue and Collections Unit. “While we have mechanisms to assist residents who are genuinely struggling and come forward to make arrangements, we will act decisively against those who choose to illegally reconnect services. This illegal activity creates a dangerous and unfair environment.”
The High Cost of Illegal Connections: Revenue and Safety
City officials were quick to highlight the dual-threat posed by such illegal actions. Firstly, the direct revenue loss cripples the municipality’s ability to deliver and maintain essential services, from road repairs to water provision. The estimated total lost to illegal connections and non-payment across Tshwane runs into hundreds of millions of Rands annually.
Secondly, and perhaps more critically, is the grave safety risk. “Unauthorized electrical work is performed by unqualified individuals, bypassing all safety protocols,” warned a senior TMPD officer involved in the operation. “It creates immediate fire hazards for the occupants and neighbouring properties, risks of electrocution, and places an unstable load on the local grid, which can lead to localized blackouts or damage to transformers. It endangers lives, plain and simple.”
The City reported that previous enforcement drives have uncovered dangerously makeshift connections using everything from ordinary household wires to coat hangers, often left exposed to the elements.
Community Reaction and the Path Forward
Reaction from Akasia residents was mixed. Some neighbours expressed relief at the enforcement action. “It’s about time. Why should we scrimp and pay every month when others think they can just steal it?” said one local homeowner who asked not to be named. Others voiced sympathy, citing the high cost of living, but condemned the method. “I understand times are hard, but this is dangerous and makes things worse for everyone,” commented another resident.
The two suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court in the coming days. The City has also initiated the process to pursue civil recovery of the owed R240,000 from the property owner, who may also face charges.
As the #TshwaneYaTima campaign continues, Mayor Moya reiterated her administration’s resolve: “We are committed to restoring the financial health of our city. Protecting our infrastructure and ensuring everyone pays their fair share is fundamental to that goal. This arrest in Akasia is a sign that our enforcement capabilities are active and effective. We urge all residents and businesses with arrears to please contact the City to make a payment plan before enforcement actions reach their door.”
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