Siphelele Nketo

JOHANNES Phumani Phungula Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has issued a stern warning to members of the public about an individual who identifies himself as Bongani Mashaba, falsely claiming to be an official from the municipality.

The individual approaches households in and around Ixopo and tells people that their properties are scheduled for immediate service disconnection due to outstanding municipal account arrears.

He puts pressure on victims to make on-the-spot cash payments, with amounts reportedly as high as R7 000.

The municipality has clarified that it does not conduct door-to-door cash collections and does not even demand immediate payments from locals.

Communities were urged not to make any payments to individuals claiming to represent the municipality. The municipality said residents must verify all account-related matters through official municipal offices or utilise authorised channels.

The municipality further advised residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to SAPS and the municipality.