The Msimanga administration is currently leading a multi-disciplinary operation to remove illegal electricity connections in extension 1 and 17 in Mamelodi East.
This follows the rampant power interruptions caused by illegal connections from occupants of Mountain View informal settlement. The unlawful connections have been a bone of contention between formal home owners from extension 1 and nearby informal settlement occupants for a period of time resulting in clashes between the two communities.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, has previously visited the area with the aim of quelling tensions and identifying long term solutions to the stalemate and has numerously condemned the potent nature of disregarding the law and the safety considerations of fellow community members.
“Not only are these connections illegal but they are unsafe and pose a serious danger to the community, people have lost their lives from this improper practice. Equally, this unlawful act carries huge financial implications for the City in terms of revenue collection and costs for replacement of infrastructure. While we understand the plight of our people to decent housing opportunities with rudimentary services, we cannot condone the disregarding of the rule of law” said Msimanga.
Acting Chief of Metro Police, Ms Jenny Malan confirmed that all resources are in place to conduct the operation, “The joint operation will be conducted by the Tshwane Metro Police Department, electricity personnel and the SAPS. Electricity personnel will remove all illegally connected electricity cables which are clearly visible in OR Tambo Street in X1 and Mokgetle Street in X17”.
The City of Tshwane encourages our residents to contact the TMPD when they see electricity connection irregularities on 012 358 7095/6.
Customers affected by power failures including but not limited to Mahube Valley are urged to report this by texting the word “power” followed by your account number to 44676. Alternatively, report a power failure through our customer care call centre on 012 358 9999 (choose the electricity option), visit www.tshwane.gov.za and follow the Report Power Failure link, or visit any of the regional walk-in centres.