The DA in eThekwini is outraged by the municipality’s continued failure to deal with rampant illegal electricity connections, sabotage, vandalism, and theft of municipal infrastructure.
Haniff Hoosen, DA eThekwini mayoral candidate, said these crimes are crippling service delivery and punishing law‑abiding residents.
Raid on hijacked building at 44 Lancers Road
Hoosen was speaking after the Durban metro police and the SAPS raided a hijacked building at 44 Lancers Road in the Warwick Avenue Triangle on Monday.
He said illegal connections, particularly in hijacked and unlawfully occupied buildings, have become a symbol of the municipality’s collapse.
Departments accused of shifting blame
“Instead of decisive enforcement, blame continues to be shifted between departments. The eThekwini electricity unit points to town planning, town planning refers it to Human Settlements, and Human Settlements shrugs at law enforcement. This lack of coordination allows illegal electricity connections to persist for years at the expense of law-abiding ratepayers.”
Paying residents subsidising electricity theft
Hoosen added that residents who pay for their electricity are effectively subsidising those who steal it.
“With electricity tariffs having increased from July 1, law-abiding residents are paying more while the municipality fails to act against electricity theft. The DA has repeatedly called for the establishment of a specialised task team involving national law enforcement agencies to deal with the rife sabotage, vandalism, and theft of municipal infrastructure,” Hoosen said.
Municipality condemns ‘brazen’ theft
The municipality, in a statement, condemned the brazen theft of electricity uncovered at the illegally occupied building on 44 Lancers Road.
It stated that electricity theft is a serious criminal offence that endangers lives, threatens public safety, and damages critical municipal infrastructure.
R1.7 billion in annual revenue losses
“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,” the municipality stated.
Energy Directorate dismantles unlawful infrastructure
Following the operation, the electricity and municipal Energy Directorate initiated the removal of unlawful electrical infrastructure.
According to the municipality, the dismantling process is 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.”
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