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Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services, Edmund Bussack today  welcomed the arrest of an individual earlier this morning in Thembalethu, who was caught red-handed setting up illegal electricity connections and subsequently arrested. “George Municipality will continue to act decisively in such matters, it is well-known that the practice of illegal connection puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution,  risking injury and death to themselves as well as the rest of the community. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted.”

Acting Director, Paul Gerber confirmed that charges have been laid against the individual,  in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015. “This Act allows for a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years as the interference with and damage to Municipal property, can be regarded as sabotage.”

An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to pole-mounted transformers, pole kiosks and overhead lines..  The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.

Illegal connections should be reported to 044 803 9222 or 044 801 9222  or after hours on 044 801 6300.

Issued by George Municipality