Tshwane’s prepaid meter crackdown: Fines of up to R75k

Homeowners in Tshwane who have prepaid electricity are being warned that tampering or bypasing can cost them up to R75 000 in fines as the metro fights against power theft. However, it seems some law-abiding residents are also being caught in this.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM?

The City of Tshwane says its enforcement operations have found 2339 manipulated prepaid meters. 494 of the 2339 are reportedly linked to repeat offences. Tampering has cost Tshwane more than R78 million so far. Guilty households face the fine as well as billing adjustments to recover electricity allegedly used without proper metering. In an attempt to curb the problem, the metro is replacing older meters with smart prepaid units that are harder to interfere with.

Howver, the problem is national. Eskom recorded R8.15 billion in non-technical losses from theft between April 2025 and the end of February 2026. The Department of Electricity and Energy estimates that about 1.7 million customers use illegal connections or tampered meters. Non-technical losses, including illegally generated prepaid tokens known as ghost vending, cost up to R23 billion in revenue a year.

GROWING COMPLAINTS

The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) said they are receiving a growing number of complaints from residents who claim they were wrongly accused. According to the party, technicians responding to fault reports sometimes arrive without spare parts and temporarily bypass the meter to restore supply. Inspectors then visit and accuse the household of tampering. The party also says some residents were told a fine could disappear in exchange for cash. Two residents have reportedly opened criminal cases with the police.

“In many cases, residents claim that these fines are unfounded and legally questionable…when residents report power problems, technicians often arrive without spare parts and bypass the meters to temporarily restore power,” said FF+.

“Shortly afterwards, inspectors visit the same residents’ properties and accuse them of having tampered with the meters,” said FF+.

HOW DID THE CITY OF TSHWANE RESPOND?

City of Tshwane said that officials and technicians may never solicit or accept cash to cancel fines or alter meter records. Fines must be charged to the account under gazetted tariffs, not paid through cash transfers or messaging apps. Anyone who receives such a demand should open a criminal case with SAPS. Formal disputes can be lodged by email or at the Client Service Centre in the Isivuno Building.

Take a look at home appliances that could be draining your electricity here.