The Free State-based power utility says it has been inundated with complaints from its customers claiming that the entity's employees have been collecting money from households with outstanding accounts.

Centlec's spokesperson Lele Mamatu says according to information, those who failed to pay with cash have been threatened to have their households disconnected from the power grid.

Mamatu says the scammers have been demanding payment or settlement of R3 000 up to R20 000 to avoid being disconnected.

"These alleged employees would call vulnerable community members using the 079 115 2600 numbers forcing unsuspecting customers to pay anything from R3 000 to R20 000, or any settlement agreed upon by both parties to avoid their electricity being cut off.  

"We would like to warn the community of Mangaung and areas where we offer our services that these individuals are not our employees but scammers pretending to work for Centlec (SOC) Ltd. 

"Centlec is not allowed to collect any cash on behalf of the company except those working at our pay points "

Mamutu further cautioned the utility's customers that Centlec employees and contractors carry with them a specific identification card that specifies their names, employment number, designation and department under which they fall.

"The community is advised not to allow anyone onto their properties before the said identification is produced.

"In addition to that, both our fleet and that of our contractors are branded with Centlec branding.

"We urge the community of Mangaung to report any suspicious behaviour to the SAPS or contact our 24-hour fraud hotline at 051 409 2686. Send a WhatsApp message to 064 616 5774 or email: fraudandcorruption@centlec.co.za," Mamatu added.

ALSO READ: Electricity meter audit underway in Free State metro

Earlier OFM News reported that the power utility is conducting meter inspections of all electrical meters in the area.

The inspection will be conducted by Scigrow as the appointed service provider.

OFM News