PROJECT: UNPAID MUNICIPAL BILLS & EXPLOITATIVE METERING PRACTICES
- Isabel Spies
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
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A GROWING FINANCIAL CRIME RISK FOR TENANTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Specialised Security Services (SSS) has noted a steady increase in complaints and investigations relating to
unpaid municipal accounts, defective or manipulated meters, and exploitative practices by managing agents
and utility intermediaries across South Africa. These cases frequently involve systemic billing irregularities,
deliberate misrepresentation, and, in some instances, fraud, theft, and contraventions of
the Municipal Systems Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
In metros such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, and the City of Cape Town,
SSS investigations have revealed a recurring pattern: tenants or body corporates pay their monthly utility bills
in good faith, only to later face massive backdated municipal claims, service disconnections, or legal action—
despite proof of regular payments. The financial prejudice can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of rands.
Understanding the criminal methodology behind these schemes is essential.
Knowledge and documentation are your first line of defence.
THE COMMON CRIMINAL METHOD:
In numerous cases investigated by SSS, managing agents or third-party utility companies:
Bill tenants or occupants at full municipal tariffs.
Rely on estimated, faulty, bypassed, or unverified meters.
Pay the municipality only a fraction of what was collected.
Retain the balance unlawfully.
Leave the municipal account in arrears, which later triggers a bulk backdated adjustment.
When the municipality eventually conducts an audit, replaces the meter, or corrects historical estimates, the lawful account holder—often the tenant, body corporate, or property owner—is presented with the outstanding balance.
This conduct may constitute:
Fraud.
Theft.
Unlawful enrichment.
Contraventions of municipal bylaws.
Reckless or negligent financial management.
YOUR 5-STEP DEFENCE GUIDE:
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HIDDEN MUNICIPAL DEBT
1. DEMAND ORIGINAL MUNICIPAL BILLS:
Never rely solely on a managing agent’s invoice. Insist on the original municipal PDF bill issued by the relevant authority (e.g. City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Water, City Power, eThekwini Municipality, City of Cape Town).
Verify:
Property address.
Meter number.
Billing period.
Whether the readings are actual or estimated.
Any refusal or delay is a serious red flag.
2. PHYSICALLY VERIFY THE METER:
Locate the actual electricity or water meter on the premises.
Take a dated photograph of the reading monthly.
Compare it directly to the municipal bill.
If the bill reflects “Estimated” usage over multiple months, your risk increases substantially.
SSS has investigated cases where estimated readings were used for years, resulting in crippling backdated bills.
3. AUDIT TARIFFS AND CHARGES:
Municipal tariffs are public and regulated.
Bills must reflect:
Correct tariff block.
Correct property classification (residential vs business).
Approved service charges.
For example:
City of Johannesburg domestic water tariffs (2024/2025) start at a lower block rate and escalate progressively.
Any unexplained increase or inflated per-unit charge may indicate manipulation.
Administration fees must be clearly itemised, not hidden in usage costs.
4. DEMAND PROOF OF PAYMENT FROM THE MUNICIPALITY:
You are entitled to proof that your payment was actually transferred to the municipality.
This includes:
Municipal receipt.
Allocation reference number.
Confirmation that the payment was applied to the correct account.
SSS investigations have uncovered numerous cases where payments were collected but never forwarded, constituting potential criminal offences.
5. REPORT FAULTY OR SUSPICIOUS METER IMMEDIATELY:
If you observe:
No consumption but rising readings.
Unrealistically low or high usage.
Meters running while the supply is off.
Report the issue in writing to:
The municipality.
The landlord or managing agent.
Keep records.
This paper trail is often decisive in preventing retrospective liability.
KNOW THE NUMBERS: MUNICIPAL VS AGENT CHARGES
A core element of these schemes is public ignorance of legitimate billing structures.
WHAT IS LAWFUL:
Municipal service charge + consumption-based tariff.
A reasonable, disclosed administration fee.
WHAT IS NOT:
Inflated unit rates.
Hidden mark-ups.
Collecting full tariffs but paying only estimated usage.
Allowing arrears to accumulate while continuing to invoice occupants.
This behaviour leaves the municipal account exposed and shifts the financial risk unlawfully onto unsuspecting bill-payers.
You have the legal right to transparent, accurate billing.
Any deviation, especially where money is collected but not passed on,
should be treated as a serious financial crime risk,
not a mere administrative error.
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION:
If you are facing:
Large backdated municipal bills.
Disconnection threats despite proof of payment.
Suspected meter manipulation.
Managing agents refusing documentation.
Evidence of financial misrepresentation.
Do not attempt to resolve the matter informally or via social media speculation.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis and the Specialist Investigators of Specialised Security Services (SSS) investigate
complex financial misconduct, billing fraud, and systemic abuse involving utilities,
property management structures, and municipal interfaces.
The public is encouraged to verify facts, preserve evidence, and contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis directly
should they suspect criminal activity or require an independent investigation.
Be informed. Be vigilant. Be protected.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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