Caught in the Act: City’s MTU busts suspected meter fraudster | Caught in the Act: City’s MTU busts suspected meter fraudster | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City of Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit has apprehended a person in connection with the tampering of the City's electricity metering infrastructure. The suspect is alleged to have offered and facilitated meter bypasses to customers, compromising the City's electricity billing systems through flagrant acts of fraud. <br></p> | <p>'It is alleged that the suspect was involved in facilitating meter bypasses, a fraudulent process that enables willing customers to avoid paying for the electricity they consume. This criminal activity undermines the City's efforts to ensure fair and accurate billing and maintain the integrity of its utility services. This arrest highlights the City's commitment to crackdown on electricity infrastructure thieves and fraudsters,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.</p><p>'We applaud the swift response by the City's Metal Theft Unit and Law Enforcement authorities. We can confirm that the suspect is currently in police custody and subject to an investigation by the South African Police Service. This arrest is just one of many the MTU has facilitated. The City is committed to identifying and apprehending infrastructure and services thieves.</p><p>'The City exercises zero tolerance to criminal acts, including fraud and corruption and we will mete out the harshest possible response to those who steal and facilitate the stealing of electricity in line with our strict policies and by-laws. We urge residents who have information on suspected electricity thieves and fraudsters to make anonymous tip-offs by calling 021 480 7700. The City is committed to ensuring further arrests to put offenders behind bars,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p><strong>Tips for residents:</strong> </p><ul><li>Always verify the work order number when an official visits your home. </li><li>Check the official's City-issued identification card. </li><li>The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor.</li><li>If unsure, call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089.</li><li>Report suspicious behaviour to the City's law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS.<br><br><strong> </strong><br><strong> </strong><br><br><strong>End</strong><br><br> <br></li></ul><p><br></p> | 2024-08-20T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#cc276518-1a17-47ba-990f-978d60f522c2;L0|#0cc276518-1a17-47ba-990f-978d60f522c2|electricity meter;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda;L0|#0633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda|illegal activity;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |