![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/115/2020/08/IMG_4530-700x470.jpg)
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Merafong this week laid charges against Merafong Mayor, Maphefo Mogale Letsie.
According to the DA’s constituency head in Merafong, Ms Ina Cilliers, the charges are related to money that were paid by residents of Merafong in good faith for electricity supplied by Eskom, and which monies were never paid over to Eskom by Merafong City. The case number is 349/8/2020 and we have received confirmation from the SAPS in Carletonville that the matter is under investigation.
“As a result of breaches such as this, residents in Merafong have been subjected to a reduction in the supply of bulk electricity to the municipality by Eskom, despite paying the municipality for the supply of electricity.
Earlier this year, Eskom indicated that the Merafong Local Municipality owed them, R272 214 596.71 for electricity as it had breached its payment obligations by failing to pay its debt to the power utility.
It is unacceptable for Merafong to not pay for electricity while it charges and collects revenue from its residents for the supply of electricity.
The DA will be closely monitoring the progress of this investigation to ensure that if anyone is found guilty, they face the full might of the law,” she says.