DCS perplexed by attempted power disconnection at Kgosi Mampuru


The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is perplexed by the conduct of the City of Tshwane following an attempted electricity disconnection at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria on Friday.

The department says the action was based on an incorrect account statement.

On Friday, city officials visited a number of departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) College in Pretoria West, demanding that they settle their outstanding debts.

Government departments owe the city more R2 billion in unpaid service arrears.

Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says, “This is not only disturbing but deeply humiliating that the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane once again chose to make public pronouncements via social media, alleging that electricity would be disconnected at a correctional facility, without ensuring that the facts were verified. City officials arrived at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre armed with an incorrect account statement and were subsequently embarrassed when the error was identified and pointed out to them by Correctional Services managers.”

Similarly, the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality in Limpopo has embarked on an operation to cut off power to those owing water and electricity bills.

The municipality says residents, businesses and government departments owe the municipality over R1 billion.

Communication Manager Michael Makungo has appealed to those owing the municipality to settle their bills.

Makungo says, “Residents alone owe the municipality more than R1 billion, businesses owe R380 million, while government entities owe the municipality R98 million for services like water and electricity. The municipality is entitled to disconnect the supply of any services where the accounts are in debt. The municipality will soon start issuing notice of intention to disconnect services to residents, businesses and government organs who owe for service.”