Water, electricity thief arrested, Leeukop prison disconnected

GAUTENG – The City of Joburg intensified its Credit Control drive, by arresting one business-owner who had illegally connected his business to both water and electricity supply and also shut-down water supply at Leeuwkop Prison for owing the City close to R10 million for water. The Roodepoort businessman, who runs a glass-making business was arrested by the JMPD officers at his business premise Stormhill. This was part of a sting operation to businesses which are illegally connected to the City’s services. The establishment owes the City more than R6.4 million for water and electricity services.

The City’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Tebogo Moraka said the City’s current debtor’s book is sitting a close to R47 billion, for rates and taxes, sewer, electricity and water, which unsustainable. Moraka said the disconnection of services will also focus on large defaulters and Government Departments in a bid to recover the outstanding debt. According to Moraka this week City was hot on the heels of ten of the City’s worst defaulters, which includes a hotel, large residential estates, panel beating business who collectively owe the City more than a whopping R104 million on unpaid services.