City of Joburg threatens to disconnect violent defaulters

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg is considering removing its electricity infrastructure and supply in communities who attack its officials.

Staff have often been intimidated or denied access to the property of owing customers.

Defaulters also reconnect to the grid after services diagnosed.

READ: Service delivery | Joburg mayor comments on service delivery challenges

This results in the city losing millions of rands.

The City’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Tebogo Moraka, said there's been an increase in the debt owed to the city.

"No organisation can run in a situation where they're not paid," Moraka said.

READ: City of Joburg: We need to get rid of illegal connections

He said the city is losing in excess of R7-billion per year on water and electricity losses caused by illegal connections.

"Our officials can't reach certain areas. When they go there, they are attacked.

"We are threatened and intimidated," Moraka said.