The City of Cape Town would like to warn residents that criminals have been posing as City officials in order to rob households in various areas. Residents are urged to demand that City identify cards are presented before letting anyone into their homes. Read more below:
It has come to our attention that individuals are approaching households claiming that they are from the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Department and that they need to install shower heads to save water. On some occasions they claim that they are from Eskom and need to install new bulbs or put reflective lights on the gates. The reports we have received indicate that these individuals are criminals who are robbing residents at gunpoint, and not City officials.
The City urges residents to be aware of these scams and ask individuals for their City of Cape Town identity cards before letting them into their homes. In fact, these identify cards should, as a matter of procedure, be clearly visible on the person at all times. This card will display a photo of the official. All City of Cape Town staff are issued with these cards.
If you are in any way unsure, please call the City of Cape Town’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089. For water and sanitation specifically, you can send an e-mail to watertoc@capetown.gov.za or an SMS to 31373; for electricity specifically, send an e-mail to power@capetown.gov.za or an SMS to 31220 to verify the identity of the official. If you notice any suspicious activity in the community, please report it to the South African Police Services and the City of Cape Town’s Call Centre.
