CAPE TOWN – A child was fatally electrocuted in Dunoon, on Wednesday 8 October after coming into contact with a shack structure that had been made live by an illegal electricity connection.
The child was rushed to hospital and sadly succumbed to his injuries and declared deceased by medical staff on arrival at the Dunoon Day Hospital.
In a statement to the media, Eskom has expressed deep concern over the tragic and preventable incident. “Eskom received the sad news as it continues to battle the scourge of illegal connections, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism across the Western Cape, with most of these occurring in Eskom electricity supplied areas in the Cape Metropole,” says Mbulelo Yedwa, general manager of Eskom Distribution in the Cape Coastal Cluster. “On behalf of Eskom management, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating tragedy.”
“The loss of young lives in such heartbreaking circumstances is unimaginable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that children have a safe and secure environment to live and play.”
Community collaboration needed
He further highlighted the importance of community cooperation in eliminating the scourge of illegal connections and bringing justice to the criminals who endanger communities. “We urge members of the public to share critical information that can aid in curbing the dangerous practice of illegal connections and hold accountable those whose actions have led to these tragic and unnecessary deaths,” he said.
He says Eskom remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illegal connections as the power giant regularly collaborates with community leaders, councillors and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that protect the public and safeguard the network.
“We need to work even more closely with the South African Police Services and local communities to prevent illegal connections and enhance public safety,” Yedwa concluded.
