ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY CONDEMNS BRAZEN ELECTRICITY THEFT COSTING R1.7 BILLION ANNUALLY
EThekwini Municipality strongly condemns the brazen theft of electricity uncovered at an illegally occupied building on 44 Lancers Road during a recent joint law enforcement operation in the Durban CBD.
Electricity theft is a serious criminal offence that endangers lives, threatens public safety, and damages critical municipal infrastructure. It also places a heavy financial burden on the City, which loses approximately R1.7 billion in revenue annually due to such illegal activities.
These losses deprive the Municipality of funds needed to maintain and expand essential electrical infrastructure and deliver reliable services to residents. Illegal connections further create a high risk of electrocution and fires, while disrupting supply to paying customers.
Following the operation, the Electricity and Energy Directorate has initiated the removal of unlawful electrical infrastructure. The dismantling process is currently underway as part of efforts to safeguard the electricity network, protect public safety, and prevent further illegal activities.
The Municipality remains committed to protecting its infrastructure, safeguarding public resources, and ensuring the safe and reliable supply of electricity to residents and businesses. The Directorate will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and act against those involved in electricity theft and related offences.
Members of the public are urged to report illegal electricity connections or suspected theft by contacting the Directorate’s Contact Centre on 0803 111 111.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
