A child was electrocuted to death by an illegal cable connection. Image: Twitter/@Eskom
Child electrocuted to death by illegal cable connection
Another child has has fallen victim as they were electrocuted to death by illegal cable connections in George.
A child was electrocuted to death by an illegal cable connection. Image: Twitter/@Eskom
Police in George have opened an inquest docket following the death of a child who was electrocuted by an illegal connection in Thembalethu.
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Another child a victim of electrocution
The incident is one of several in recent years where children have died after touching live wires on illegal connections.
The George Municipality says it’s saddened by the incident and condemns illegal cable connections.
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“The George Municipality is saddened by this incident. We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. We cannot overemphasize the dangers attached to illegal connections. An operation to remove illegal connections took place in this specific area on 29 March this year. Such operations are undertaken on a regular basis to increase community safety. Furthermore, the George Municipality has allocated R10.5 million of its own funds to the electrification of informal settlements, and these projects are well under way.”
Municipal spokesperson, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe
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George affected by illegal cable connections
The Western Cape’s George Municipality is on urged residents to avoid illegal electrical connections, follow the death of a child.
Four-year-old Ophayo Tukushe was electrocuted in January 2022.
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It’s believe the child died after touching an illegally energised fence that ran past her home to nearby informal settlements.
This incident came just days after George’s Electro-Technical Department tried removing illegal connections in the area.
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Izinyoka cable connections
Recently, City Power removed R4 million worth of cables illegally connecting homes to the power grid in the Floyd Shivambu informal settlement in Johannesburg.
The officials were accompanied by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the informal settlement was one of many in the City of Johannesburg.
Mangena said 10 people were arrested for selling City Power cables and reconnecting households in the Floyd Shivambu informal settlement.
During the removal process, some residents tried to stop officials and were prevented by JMPD officers from doing so.
Instead, they hurled insults at the officials. One community member stood outside her yard, watching as black cables were being dragged away.
She said the entire informal settlement was illegally connected.
READ MORE: Child killed by illegal connection in George
