Illegal connections place pressure on the electricity network, contribute to infrastructure damage and create serious safety risks for residents and municipal employees. Addressing the problem is therefore central to restoring reliable services and protecting municipal infrastructure.

“Residents have raised legitimate concerns about the quality and reliability of electricity services in Tshepisong. Our responsibility as Council is to ensure that these concerns do not simply remain matters raised at meetings. We have returned to assess what has been done, what remains outstanding and what further action is required," said Cllr Arnolds.

She stressed that illegal connections and the destruction of municipal infrastructure cannot be allowed to undermine service delivery.

“We cannot normalise illegal connections and the destruction of municipal infrastructure. These actions undermine the services that residents depend on and place communities at risk. At the same time, enforcement must be coordinated, consistent and accompanied by meaningful engagement with residents."

The involvement of SAPS, JMPD and Home Affairs: Immigration Services forms part of a coordinated approach to addressing matters requiring law enforcement and regulatory intervention alongside electricity-related challenges.

The Speaker also called on residents to work with the City and law enforcement agencies by reporting illegal connections, vandalism, cable theft and other activities that compromise municipal infrastructure.