Reverend Oscar Bougardt at Cape Town Central Pollce Station.
Image: supplied
A Cape Town reverend has lodged a complaint with police, claiming the City of Cape Town is carrying out unauthorised electricity deductions from households with unexplained municipal charges affecting residents.
Well-known and controversial reverend, Oscar Bougardt, visited Cape Town Central Police Station on Monday, where he questioned electricity deductions via a statement handed over to the police.
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed they were in the process of registering Bougardt’s case after taking his statement.
“The mentioned person submitted a statement on May 25 at 7:41pm at Cape Town Central SAPS, whereby he is querying the number of electricity units he receives from the City of Cape Town when purchasing electricity.
"He was requested to bring with him his municipality account to substantiate his complaint, and then the case will be transferred to Strandfontein, where the incident took place.
"The office is still awaiting that information for the registration and transfer of the docket,” Van Wyk said.
Bougardt argues that the City is allegedly making deductions without residents' consent and that consumers have a right to be protected.
“I, Rev. O.P. Bougardt, officially opened a criminal case of theft and fraud against the City of Cape Town at the Cape Town Central Police Station following serious complaints from community members regarding alleged unauthorised deductions and unexplained municipal charges affecting residents across Cape Town,” he said.
“This criminal complaint is not about municipal arrears or residents refusing to pay for services rendered.
"Communities understand that when accounts fall into arrears, creditors may issue notices, warnings, and charge interest on outstanding balances in accordance with the law.
"However, what residents are alleging is the unlawful deduction of money without consent or proper authorisation.”
Reverend Oscar Bougardt files complaint against the City of Cape Town citing unathorised electricity deducations.
Image: supplied
“Under South African law, consumers are protected against unauthorised debit deductions and unfair billing practices. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, consumers have the right to fair, reasonable, and transparent treatment.
"Section 48 of the Act specifically protects consumers against unfair, unreasonable, or unjust conduct and transactions.
"Furthermore, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 and banking regulations governing debit authorisations require that consent must be obtained before deductions may lawfully be processed from a consumer’s account.
“I could no longer remain silent while vulnerable residents continue suffering financially. Pensioners, unemployed residents, working-class families, and struggling households are being pushed deeper into hardship while trying to survive daily economic pressures.”
Bougardt said he is calling on affected residents to come forward and report their experiences.
In response to queries by the Cape Argus, the City’s spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, said: “Unpaid municipal rates are deducted via the electricity prepaid vending system in line with the City’s Electricity Supply By-Law and Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy.
“Residents are given ample opportunity to either settle their debt, enter into a payment arrangement, or to apply for social assistance if they meet the City’s indigent criteria.
“However, if the notices are repeatedly ignored, and the City is not made aware by the resident that they are unable to pay the outstanding debt, the debt collection process commences, which includes the collection of arrears via electricity prepaid purchases.
“As is required by law, the City issues notices to encourage those in arrears to approach the City for assistance. All revenue collected is used for service delivery.”