The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Tshwane Metro is increasingly receiving complaints from residents facing unfair fines and alleged intimidation.
Numerous homeowners are hit with fines of up to R75 000 for allegedly tampering with prepaid electricity meters. In many cases, residents claim that these fines are unfounded and legally questionable.
According to information provided to the Freedom Front Plus, there is a disturbing pattern:
- When residents report power problems, technicians often arrive without spare parts and bypass the meters to temporarily restore power.
- Shortly afterwards, inspectors visit the same residents’ properties and accuse them of having tampered with the meters.
- There are several reports of individuals subsequently telling residents that they would make the relevant fine “disappear” in exchange for a cash payment.
The Freedom Front Plus possesses evidence supporting the above allegations.
The Metro expects residents to keep meters installed in a public street secure, while they are simultaneously prohibited from moving or privately securing them. This impossible requirement poses a legal problem.
The Freedom Front Plus has already raised the issue in the Oversight Committees on Finance and Community Safety, clearly stating that residents may not fall victim to such corrupt practices.
Two Tshwane residents have already lodged criminal complaints with the police regarding the alleged irregularities.
Advice to residents:
- Document everything and keep your reference numbers of all power complaints.
- Take photos of the meter before and after technicians worked on it.
- Never pay cash to make a fine “disappear” but immediately report a case of extortion to the police.
- Submit a formal dispute to disputes@tshwane.gov.za or at the Client Service Centre in the Isivuno Building.
Tshwane residents deserve a fair and transparent system – not one that penalises them while they are plagued by poor service delivery.
On 4 November, residents have the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus and put a stop to unfair fines, corrupt practices and a system penalising instead of serving residents.
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