Electrocuted child: metro responds to concerns over exposed live street lights wires

In response to the recent electrocution of a child (6) who came into contact with an exposed wire in a street light pole in Boksburg North, the City of Ekurhuleni has embarked on a project to replace street lights with high mast lights.

The six-year-old Laerskool Goudrand learner Kaylin Posthumus was electrocuted on September 3 in Eighth Avenue when she touched the live wire on her walk home from school.
Kaylin suffered minor injuries to her left hand.

Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, the metro’s divisional head of communications and media relations, said the metro is aware of the issue of open street lights.
“Theft of copper cables is identified as the main cause of this issue. The City always replaces these covers as and when it happens. In the last year or so the City has embarked on replacing these lights with high mast lights.

“The process of replacing these lights has already started. Two of these have been installed so far, and the availability of funds and a budget for new infrastructure will determine the number of high mast lights that can be installed each financial year,” explained Cebekhulu.

Ward 22 Clr Ruhan Robinson and Boksburg North CPF chairperson Mark Gilpin previously expressed their concerns about exposed wires on street light poles.
“I believe Boksburg North is being heavily affected by this problem that has been ongoing since I started my term,” said Robinson.

Also Read: Baby dies after touching exposed electricity cables in Boksburg

Also Read: Child (6) shocked on wiring in open street light pole