HENDRINA – A clampdown on illegal electricity connections resulted in the disconnection of several houses and businesses in Hendrina after it was found that they had tampered with municipal electricity.
The discovery was made during an unannounced raid to audit electricity connections in KwaZamokuhle.
The municipal electrical department, led by Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela, MMC for Arts, Culture, Sports, Recreation and Environmental Health, Bathobile Shabangu, and MMC for Public Safety, Joseph Ngubeni, conducted the raid on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Mayor Masilela commended the officials for intensifying the fight against illegal activities within the municipal precinct.
“I am happy that as a municipality, we have this dedicated team. We cannot fold our arms and watch while some individuals within our communities engage in illegal activities. We will pounce on them,” said Mayor Masilela.
“The electrical department team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of intelligence and integrity to protect critical assets and infrastructure.”
The mayor also emphasised the importance of continuing the audits, adding that they will help the municipality recover millions of rands lost to electricity theft. “The municipality remains focused on recovering financial losses caused by illegal activities and will work tirelessly to deal with individuals tampering with electrical meters,” he said.
“The municipality condemns any illegal activities and the damaging of municipal infrastructure.”