"We Start with the Rich and Famous"

The Nelson Mandela Bay MMC for Electricity, led a dramatic operation cutting power to high-value properties with overdue accounts. "If you own four or five lavish homes but avoid paying, we will find you," he declared. At one Summerstrand guesthouse, officials discovered no meter box—just an illegal isolator siphoning free electricity.

R7.5bn Crisis

The metro revealed staggering arrears of R7.5bn—nearly 40% of its R20bn budget. "This is stolen money meant to serve residents," said MMC. Three properties owned by the same individual were targeted, two of which had tampered connections hiding true usage.

Breaking Down Doors

Metro Police forced entry after tenants refused access, with one cleaner allegedly hiding keys. At a Humewood property earlier, officers dismantled gates to expose another illegal connection. "They think they’re smarter than us," MMC scoffed.

Legal Repercussions

Tampering with infrastructure violates the Electricity Regulation Act, carrying fines or jail time. The MMC vowed to prosecute: "No more payment plans for thieves."