Waldrif - 15 August, last night, residents of Waldrif convened a community lekgotla to address a troubling pattern of scam-related threats targeting households disguised as officials approved by the municipality to disconnect electricity. The community standing up against this act is not an act of disruption—it is a collective stand for accountability, safety, and transparency.

Residents reported individuals loitering in the area, coercing people into paying cash to avoid disconnection. One such incident involved a man identifying himself as “David,” who presented falsified ELM documentation and threatened disconnection. His details included a suspicious reference number and job code, which ELM has since denied issuing. Fortunately, a vigilant resident, whose name shall not be disclosed for this article but is known to the reporter and the community, raised the alarm, prompting community members to respond timeously and forcing the said fraudster to flee. This modus operandi appears to be spreading, because similar incidents have been reported in Sonland Park.

In response, both communities will submit a memorandum to the municipality demanding clear communication and visible accountability. Without proactive engagement from local authorities, these protective actions may be misinterpreted as resistance; however, in reality, the community wants accountability.

The message from residents is clear: “One stick breaks, but many sticks together are stronger.” Unity is the only defence that they have to fight this battle. A resident was heard saying, “We urge ELM and municipal leadership to clarify their mandate, engage openly, and protect the integrity of service delivery”.

Scams are real. Silence is dangerous. The community will not be intimidated.