Reconnection fee of +R5000.00 demanded is unfair

The electricity pre-paid meter at my sister's place at Protea Glen Ext 29 did not function when I tried to load it after purchasing electricity units. When I went to Eskom, Randfontein to report the problem (ref ***) I was told that I had fiddled with the meter or electrical pole and /or between the two, hence must pay an amount of R5000.00 before they reconnect me (even if I had no clue what they are talking about). Their proof was that I did not buy electricity for the past year which was true because I did not stay at the house for that period and the house was locked in my absence and no one else has access to the house. I tried to phone the Eskom call centre, but no help was obtain as I was referred back to Randfontein. I was told to go there again in person since they do not answer phones.