A hardware shop operating from a reportedly closed-off service lane has raised questions about property use and an allegedly bridged electricity meter.
Allegations of illegal rental activity and electricity theft involving a hardware shop operating from a service lane behind Boomshake nightclub in Vanderbijlpark CBD have raised questions about the use of the space and its electricity supply. According to information received, the service lane was allegedly closed off at both ends and converted into a structure from which a hardware shop is operating.
The shop is reportedly run by a woman on behalf of her brother. It is further alleged that the business pays rent to Boomshake nightclub and receives electricity through a bridged meter. These claims have not been independently verified by Walkerville & Savanna City Times. The ownership of the affected space, the legality of the structure and the status of the electricity connection remain unclear.
Emfuleni Mayor Hassan Mako has reportedly criticised secondary landlords accused of illegally renting out spaces and facilitating electricity theft. However, the mayor’s specific remarks about this property and the alleged arrangement could not be independently confirmed at the time of publication.
The allegations emerge amid ongoing efforts by Emfuleni Local Municipality to address illegal electricity connections and outstanding municipal accounts. In October, the municipality conducted an enforcement operation at eight residential complexes in Vanderbijlpark, where officials identified illegal connections and reported combined outstanding debt of more than R60 million. The municipality also reported substantial monthly revenue losses linked to electricity and water.
While the operation highlights the municipality’s wider challenges with electricity losses, it does not establish that the alleged connection at the hardware shop is illegal or linked to the findings at the residential complexes.
Walkerville & Savanna City Times will seek comment from Emfuleni Local Municipality regarding the alleged occupation of the service lane, the status of the structure and whether an inspection of the electricity connection has been conducted. Boomshake nightclub will also be approached for comment on the allegations that it receives rental payments from the business and supplies electricity through a bridged meter. The publication will update this report when further information and responses become available.
