The Democratic alliance urges Ekurhuleni residents to be aware of false city officials.
Councillor Heather Hart of Ward 18 and the DA’s Shadow MMC for City Planning said criminals pretend to be city officials to rob households.
Clr Hart said criminals make use of the council electricity disconnection/ reconnection functions to gain access to a property.
“There have been numerous reports from residents concerning bogus city officials operating in the Edenvale and Bedfordview areas. Just last week, I received calls from residents that unknown people posing as council officials have been switching off electricity at night to gain access to properties,” said Clr Hart.
She said the DA has called on the Ekurhuleni Finance and Energy Departments to ensure municipal officials and contractors have proper identification and authorization documents with them when working in communities.
If this is implemented Clr Hart hopes it will improve the safety residents and will assist residents to identify council officials.
Clr Hart urged residents to demand identity cards as well as any form of authorization from all city council officials and contractors before letting officials into their home.
She said in some instances the disconnections are legitimate and done by municipal contractors but Some municipal contractors offer a reconnection at a fee of R500.
“This constitutes an act of bribery, as contractors should not obtain a fee or any form of payment or remuneration from residents for council work performed,” said Clr Hart.
She said residents should stop paying bribes to officials or contractors and should report such acts to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline.
“Acts of this nature can also be reported to the police department as well as the City of Ekurhuleni Call Centre,” said Clr Hart.
Clr Hart said acts of fraud and corruption can be reported to:
The Ekurhuleni Anti-Fraud and Corruption Hotline on 0800 102 201.
Emailed to ekurhuleni@beheard.co.za
The EMM call centre on 086 054 300.
“Your safety is our priority. Be aware, be vigilant and report all acts of crime,” Said Clr Hart.
