The City of Tshwane’s ongoing #TshwaneYaTima operation has uncovered another significant case of electricity theft in Mamelodi, where a property owner allegedly accumulated more than R2 million in unpaid electricity charges.
Municipal officials revealed that the property, which houses approximately 25 backyard dwellings, was connected to the grid through an illegal direct electricity connection. Despite multiple households drawing power from the premises, records show that the owner made a single payment of just R2,000 in 2026.
Following investigations, the City disconnected the unlawful supply as part of its intensified campaign to curb electricity theft, protect infrastructure, and recover lost municipal revenue.
Authorities have reiterated that illegal connections place severe strain on the electricity network, contributing to transformer overloads, recurring outages, and escalating maintenance costs. Beyond the financial impact, officials stressed that such connections pose serious safety risks, including electrical fires and electrocution hazards for both residents and neighbouring communities.
The intervention has drawn support from some community members. Thabo Mokoena, a local resident, said law-abiding households often bear the consequences of illegal connections.
“Many residents pay their electricity bills every month, yet illegal connections continue without accountability. These connections overload the system and sometimes leave entire communities in the dark. We support the City’s efforts to protect the network and ensure fairness,” he said.
The City has urged residents to report suspected illegal connections and encouraged those facing financial difficulties to engage the municipality to arrange structured payment plans.
The #TshwaneYaTima campaign forms part of broader efforts to stabilise the electricity network and restore accountability in municipal service delivery.
