Cape Town residents beware of criminals who pose as council workers

In a recent article in the Plainsman, residents have been warned to be on the lookout for criminals posing as council workers.

According to the report the City of Cape Town stated that these alleged council workers arrive at resident’s doorsteps dressed in what appears to be council uniforms and pretend to check electricity infrastructure.

These “fake employees” demand that residents open their doors and allow them on to the property to check the plugs and wiring.

In the report, the mayoral committee member for energy and climate change, Phindile Maxiti, stated that the council workers would schedule a time to check the electricity meters.

“All municipal workers and contractors must carry a City-issued identification card and work-order number specific to that dwelling. Residents should ask to check the official card before allowing anyone onto their property.”

What to look out for

Council workers must have a proper identification card on their person. The card must include the City logo, the name and surname of the worker or the mandated contractor. The card must also have an embedded photo.

Residents have been advised to check this card before allowing anyone into their homes.

“We ask our residents to be vigilant.”

Should residents wish to confirm an alleged council workers employment they are able to call the call centre on 0860 103 089.

Community members can tell the workers that they will only be allowed into their homes once they are the worker is employed

Residents can also the call centre to confirm if any work is being done.

Residents should also be aware of the notification numbers on each electricity meter replacement. This number can also be verified by the city’s call centre.

The city encourages residents to report any suspicious behaviour to the South African Police Service or the city’s law enforcement.