Child (6) shocked on wiring in open street light pole
Ward 22 Clr Ruhan Robinson said vandalism, the lack of maintenance and budget are causing the street light issues
The electrocution of a six-year-old Laerskool Goudrand learner in Boksburg North on September 3 has raised concerns about the danger of open street light poles in the area.
According to Lindy Eloff, the incident happened when she was walking her daughter Kaylin Posthumus home from school. This is when Kaylin was shocked in Eight Avenue at about 13:30.
“I thought she was just playing, but my friend, Angie Jacobs, was walking with us noticed something is wrong. She realised she was being electrocuted and kicked her to get her away from the pole. She didn’t want to touch her because she would’ve also been shocked if she did.
“Everything happened so fast, we didn’t expect it to happen at all. A second later and it would’ve been fatal,” Eloff said.
She said paramedics were called to the scene for medical assistance.
“At least she is okay. Her arms are stiff and her one hand burned,” she explained.
The mother encouraged other parents to teach their children to stay away from street lights and electricity substations.
Mark Gilpin, the chairperson of the Boksburg North CPF, said open street light poles are a big issue in Boksburg North.
“A lot of street lights are open in the vicinity of schools in Boksburg North, and it poses a hazard to children and people in the area. Drug users are trying to steal the copper cable to sell for drug money. That is why the lights are open,” said Gilpin.
Ward 22 Clr Ruhan Robinson shared Gilpin’s sentiments about the issue.
“I believe Boksburg North is being heavily affected by this problem that has been ongoing since I started my term. In the last two years, it seemed to get worse as the metro is not regarding street lights as a priority due to Covid-19. Now they are even more behind schedule.
“Vandalism, the lack of maintenance and budget are causing the street light issues.”
Robinson said his attempts to get the metro to address the problem have been fruitless.
“We handed in many petitions and motions, to no avail. Street lights are just not a priority for the metro,” said Robinson.
The Advertiser is still awaiting comment from the metro.
Also Read: Factory worker electrocuted in Boksburg.
Also Read: One dead, one seriously injured in a Boksburg electrocution
