Ward 72 councillor Lionel Greenberg has issued a stern warning to illegal electricity connectors threatening that if the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) did not prosecute their cases, he would subject them to private prosecution.
Greenberg, a councillor in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs, said it was unfair for other residents to pay exorbitant amounts for their electricity while others just steal it.
His remarks come after the councillor embarked on a campaign to remove illegal connections from the grid in his ward.
Greenberg said he had visited a number of households and areas which were found to have connected to power illegally.
He added that with the help of law enforcement agencies and City Power, they managed to cut off supply.
“However, no one was arrested but we merely warned household owners to refrain from connecting to the grid illegally,” said Greenberg.
“But we told them that the next time we come through and find that you have connected to the supply illegally, we will then have to get you arrested. And, if the National Prosecution Authority fail to prosecute your case, I will then institute a private prosecution.”
According to the councillor, a legal expert himself, if City Power cuts off someone’s supply and they re-connect illegally, they would be fined R23 000.
“This is not a threat but it is a commitment because if you commit a crime or an offence, you’ll be arrested, charged and prosecuted.
“But if the NPA fail to do that, we’ll have to look for private prosecutions to instil order and law in our communities.”
Details: Lionel Greenberg 084 247 7000.
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