City Power and the ANC in Joburg region have distanced themselves from a man seen in a video footage claiming to be a councillor and tried to force his entry into a property to check an electricity meter box.
The video which has been circulating on social media shows a man wearing an ANC hat and claiming to be councillor by the name of ‘Peter’. The man demanded entry into the property despite the failure to produce his identity card to prove he was an employee of the municipality.
ANC Joburg regional secretary Dada Morero said the man was neither a member of the party nor a councillor at the City of Johannesburg. “He is a criminal and must be arrested. City Power employees or any employees of the government do not carry out their duties wearing political party regalia.”
Spokesperson for City Power Isaac Mangena said that they were aware of the video after the owner of the property shared it on social media. “A customer who felt threatened by the person shared it with us on social media. We can categorically say that we don’t know the man, he does not work for City Power, and was not there representing it.”
Mangena added that the man was a fake and did not work for any of the City’s entities. “City Power contractors and employees do not visit customers’ homes with councillors unless if there is a campaign that would have been communicated to residents beforehand. Secondly, City Power staff and contractors visit customers wearing visible City Power overalls and PPEs, and not political party regalia.”
Mangena warned residents that City Power staff during home visits would produce a job card and display their identity card when requested.
The person, who also claims to be a councillor, in the video, did none of the above and we urge customers to deny access to anyone like him, including those claiming to be councillors,” said Mangena.
In times of doubt, residents can immediately call City Power Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900/11 to verify the identity of any contractor visiting the property.
“Alternatively, please call the police so that such an individual can be detained until their identity is verified.”
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