Ouma Monica Vassen from Kuils River says she’s been living in the dark for over a year after falling victim to an electricity scam.
The 66-year-old from Elsies River says after her house burned down, she moved back to an old plot she owned and built herself a new home.
The plot had no electrical connections and she applied for a power supply at Eskom in September last year.
“I was with a technician that was assisting me with wiring the house when we met someone who asked if I have a compliance certificate,” says Monica.
“I said no and he said he can do one for me for R3500.”
She says she paid the man without hesitation, as he had claimed to be a qualified electrician.
She was issued a certificate, but it turned out to be fake.
“He did not put his ID number on there (only random numbers), and Eskom told me that the certificate was fake.
“I have no electricity now and I am struggling.”
Monica runs a kiosk in Epping Centre and says she cannot afford to pay for a new compliance certificate, which is needed before Eskom will connect her power.
“I went to the police and they called the electrician who promised to bring a real certificate, but till today he has not brought one.”
Monica says she had to buy rechargeable lights and two batteries for her cellphone.
“I charge the lights when I am at work and I use gas for cooking. Not having electricity is bad, I cannot watch TV or keep meat fresh for long.”
The Daily Voice tried calling the electrician, whose name appears as Joshua Electrician on an app, but his phone goes straight to voicemail.