The Msunduzi Municipality in South Africa has launched an investigation into allegations that Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla tampered with an electricity meter at a property he rented. The municipality confirmed receipt of a formal complaint containing serious allegations concerning electricity-meter tampering and unauthorized reconnection of electricity at the property.
According to the complainant, the homeowner, Mayor Thebolla had been renting the property in Ward 26 since 2023 and had allegedly failed to pay municipal service accounts for over two years. The homeowner claimed that when the municipality lawfully disconnected the electricity supply due to non-payment, Thebolla would illegally reconnect the electricity and interfere with or tamper with the municipal meter.
Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize stated that the matter is under investigation through the appropriate municipal processes and that the municipality will not pre-empt or compromise the process by commenting on untested allegations. The facts will be established through the investigation, and any findings and consequential action will be communicated through the appropriate channels.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concern over the allegations, with councillor Ross Strachan saying that Mayor Thebolla has serious questions to answer over his occupation of the rental property. Strachan stated that the mayor's lease agreement makes him responsible for paying for services at the property, yet those services have allegedly remained unpaid for more than three years.
The DA also raised concerns about the financial implications of the allegations, given that Msunduzi Municipality is facing a severe financial crisis. The party questioned how the mayor could demand financial discipline from residents while allegations of years of unpaid services and an illegal electricity connection surround the property he occupies.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has also weighed in on the issue, with councillor Rienus Niemand expressing concern that if the allegations are found to be true, it would be an absolute disgrace. Niemand emphasized that tampering with electricity meters and stealing electricity is a criminal offence and that the credit-control policy must be applied with immediate effect.
The investigation into the allegations against Mayor Thebolla is ongoing, and the municipality is yet to make any official statements on the matter. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions taken will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders in the municipality.
Key points
- Msunduzi Municipality investigates allegations of meter tampering against Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla.
- Allegations include unauthorized reconnection of electricity and non-payment of municipal service accounts.
- Investigation outcome and any subsequent actions will be communicated through official channels.
