Gadebe said once the prepaid metre is installed, monthly fees are not paid to the CoE, but to the fraudster.
“If an unlawfully installed prepaid meter in discovered by the city’s meter auditors, the prepaid meter will be confiscated,” said Gadebe.
“Electricity supply will also be disconnected until a legitimate meter is installed by CoE officials.”
Customers will be held liable to pay the backdated payments which were not paid to CoE.
To avoid becoming a victim of crime, residents are advised to follow the following tips:
•All municipal payments must be made over the counter inside a rates hall in Ekurhuleni.
•If residents receive a letter from CoE they should follow up with a phone call to the call centre or the 999-number provided on the letter.
•Request a receipt which can be kept as proof of payment.
Any illegal activities or suspicious behaviour must be reported to the municipal call centre on 086 054 3000.
