A dispute over a rental property in Prestbury, Msunduzi, has drawn the attention of Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla, with allegations of electricity meter tampering, illegal reconnection, unpaid municipal services, rent arrears, refuse accumulation, pest infestation, and excessive generator noise. The property owner, Bheki Nzimande, has lodged a formal complaint with Msunduzi Municipality, claiming that the problems have persisted for over two years.
According to allegations by DA Msunduzi caucus leader Ross Strachan, Thebolla co-signed the lease agreement and allegedly lived at the property for a period. However, there is no allegation that Thebolla was personally responsible for the alleged meter tampering or other acts complained of by the property owner. A lease agreement seen by The Witness appears to bear Thebolla's signature as a co-signatory with another person.
The property owner, Nzimande, has responsibilities in relation to the premises and was asked why he had allowed the situation to persist for so long. Nzimande alleged that the tenant repeatedly failed to pay municipal service accounts and interfered with the municipal electricity meter. He also claimed that refuse had been allowed to accumulate in and around the property despite weekly municipal collection services.
On the electricity meter tampering allegations, Nzimande claimed a tenant had illegally reconnected the property after the municipality disconnected the supply over unpaid accounts. Nzimande further alleged that the tenant had fallen substantially behind with rental payments. The municipality has confirmed that the electricity meter tampering allegations are being investigated.
Msunduzi Municipality said the key issue was the alleged transgressions brought to its attention by Nzimande, rather than the profile of the tenant. The municipality declined further comment, saying this could "pre-empt or compromise" the investigation. Strachan has demanded answers from Thebolla and the Msunduzi administration, citing the lease agreement's responsibility for municipal services.
Strachan said, according to documentation in their possession, Thebolla's lease agreement makes him responsible for the payment of services at the property, yet those services have allegedly remained unpaid for years. Thebolla referred The Witness to a statement issued by the municipality. The matter is currently under investigation through the appropriate municipal processes.
The dispute has raised concerns over governance and accountability in Msunduzi Municipality. The DA has called for transparency and answers from Thebolla and the municipal administration. The investigation's outcome is awaited, and it remains to be seen how the matter will affect Thebolla's position as mayor.
Key points
- - The dispute involves allegations of electricity meter tampering, unpaid municipal services, and poor living conditions at a rental property in Prestbury, Msunduzi. - Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla has been drawn into the dispute, with allegations that he co-signed the lease agreement and allegedly lived at the property for a period. - The Msunduzi Municipality has confirmed that the electricity meter tampering allegations are being investigated, and the matter is currently under investigation through the appropriate municipal processes.
