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Centlec branding more visible after Bfn robberies

───   CHRISTAL-LIZE MULLER 10:30 Wed, 18 May 2016

Centlec branding more visible after Bfn robberies | News Article
File photo

Bloemfontein - The Mangaung Metro’s electricity supplier has joined police in warning residents in and around Bloemfontein against criminals posing as Centlec employees.


OFM News previously reported about two men and a woman moving around in residential areas claiming to be working on a Centlec project in which light bulbs are changed. Once they gain access to the houses they steal valuables.

Centlec’s acting CEO, Leon Kritzinger, says the company has recently received some complaints from residents, but says Centlec is currently not involved in any project that entails changing light bulbs.

Kritzinger says Centlec will always notify and keep residents abreast of projects and campaigns well in advance.  

He says people should be vigilant at all times. If in doubt people can call or report any strange behaviour to their nearest police station. Centlec can also be called at (051) 409 2345 and (051) 409 2241.

Kritzinger urges residents in doubt to take a photo of anyone who wants to gain entrance to a house claiming to render a Centlec service. A photo of the vehicle used is also helpful. He says all Centlec vehicles are clearly branded and as far as day-to day-activities are concerned, all employees have new identity cards to be presented to customers.

Police believe the suspects (two African males and a female) are in their mid-thirties. They arrive at houses posing as Centlec employees that need to make an appointment in order to return three days later to fit new light bulbs for the purpose of saving electricity. According to police spokesperson, Chaka Marope, they then ask permission to enter the house to establish what type of bulbs are currently being used in a house.

Spokesperson, Chaka Marope, says no identification is shown. The suspects then return three days later dressed identically in blue overalls bearing the words “Centlec Electricity Department”. They also have toolboxes with them when they proceed directly to rooms in the house pretending to work. The criminals steal laptops, cell phones, handbags or any other valuable items.

Police are currently investigating at least two cases of this nature. A similar modus operandi was used. Targeted areas are Universitas and Fauna.

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