SAPS receive 188 vehicles to combat crime

Embattled city residents, who have been multibilled for electricity and water consumption, have been granted a three month time frame by the Msunduzi Municipality, to pay their bills.

City manager, Lulamile Mapholoba announced this in response to the backlash from residents who said that they cannot afford to pay two accounts in the same month.

"The bill issued on March 31, 2023, had a payment due date of April 30, 2023, and customers were expected to pay these accounts by the due date. For the invoices issued on April 15, 2023, with the payment due date of May 15, 2023, customers are required to pay a third of the amount charged by May 15.

"On June 15, customers will be expected to pay their current bill together with the third of the bill issued on April 15, 2023. On July 15, customers will be expected to pay their current bill with the remaining third of the bill issued on April 15, 2023," said Mapholoba.

He added that the interest charged will be reversed and disconnections will not apply to customers who are affected by the multiple-billing, provided that a payment arrangement is concluded and maintained. After the end of the grace period, customers who have not complied with the directives will be disconnected and interest will be charged.

"It must also be noted that consumers have not been overcharged or double charged. Customers are only charged once a month, either on the 15th or 30th of the month," he said.

The statement was issued to the media on Thursday morning, prior to a picket led by ratepayer associations later that day.

The picket, which took place outside the city hall, saw a good turnout, with residents and ratepayer associations present. Most of the vehicles that passed by honked their horns in support.

Anthony Waldhausen, chairperson of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (Marrc), handed over the memorandum to the city manager. It stated that the implementation of "multiple-billing" without due process is irregular and unlawful. It also stated that the implementation is in breach of the Municipal Systems Act.

"They are asking residents to make payment arrangements, further putting residents in debt.

"The municipality must put a halt to this new billing cycle and start from scratch with public participation and provide options for residents to either pay on the 15th or 30th," he said.

Mapholoba reiterated in the statement that at this stage the municipality will not be changing the areas selected for billing on the 15th or 30th due to operational requirements. However, they have collated the information from customers who have requested to change their billing dates. He added that the municipality still maintains its 30-day payment period.

With regard to rates and other fixed monthly charges, Mapholoba said that these are charged once a month.

"These are annual charges that the municipality spreads over a period of 12 months. Therefore, these charges could not be apportioned on April 15. The municipality has to ensure that there are 12 monthly charges for the financial year in order to ensure that the annual charge is recovered," he said.

He encouraged customers who are unable to settle their accounts by May 15, to visit the credit control section or alternatively send their requests to zama.ngubane @ msunduzi.gov.za.

In order to improve the accuracy of billing and to accommodate pensioners and customers who get paid during the month, the municipality has established two billing cycles, the first of which was billed on April 15.

However, there was an outcry from residents and ratepayer associations who accused the municipality of double billing and not following due processes.

SAPS members and top brass from throughout the province descended on Protea Grounds in Northdale to receive a fleet of 188 motor vehicles to aid in the fight against crime.

The fleet handover is considered to be a key weapon in fighting crime as it affords police officers newer and better vehicles to assist in catching criminals.

The vehicles will be distributed throughout the province of Kwazulu-natal, including Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Kwadukuza.

Provincial commissioner of Kwazulu-natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi handed over the cars to the various stations across the province. “These vehicles are to be used for work purposes only, and not for personal use,” he said.

“We have gathered all the station commanders, the entire management of the police in the province so that we can reflect on our performance last year and engage the commanders on areas we will focus on as we start this new financial year and to outline to them the plan for the year, our targets and what areas they need to focus on,” said Mkhwanazi.

“These vehicles will be used in communities to combat crime and we want them to stay within the communities that they are meant for.”

He added that the rural communities will benefit from the new resources. “The mobile units will be used to help people in rural areas who do not have access to police stations nearby and where public transport is far. The mobile community service centre aims to take the police service to them,” he said.

The new fleet consists of a wide range of vehicles, including tow trucks, police vans, light motor vehicles, motor cycles, prison trucks and a water truck, providing a much-needed resource boost to KZN SAPS.

“We now have our own tow trucks, so we do not have to rely on private contractors. If you are stuck somewhere, call our mechanics, who will come and help you,” Mkhwanazi said.

Mkhwanazi added that this was just the beginning. “More vehicles will be provided throughout the year and where there are shortages, we will try to provide more,” he said.

He also called for proper maintenance. “Managers must ensure that the vehicles must be used properly. Drivers must take care of their vehicles. The vehicles are marked for which station they are going to. It is not for personal use. Use your police training to drive well,” he said.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, was delighted by the new fleet.

“It will make combatting crime easier. The vehicles will be distributed to different precincts throughout the province,” he said.