Illegal electrical connections at a distribution box in the grounds of Cebisa High School pose a grave danger of electrocution for pupils.
Last week, Cebisa’s headmaster, Mr M.D. Cindi, pointed out where thin cables had been connected to the unit by people living in the abandoned Ermelo Mines Hostel and other nearby dwellings behind the school premises.
The distribution box is situated in a fenced-off enclosure, but the gate to the enclosure stands open.
Municipal electricians have temporarily connected the school’s power supply from a mini-sub in the grounds of the Thutukani Hall and by-passed the Cebisa sub which is apparently out of order.
Izinyokas have seized the opportunity to connect low capacity cables to the system, buried them in a shallow rut and covered them with a thin layer of soil.
This poses a grave danger to passers by due to overheating caused by resistance build-up.
A person treading on an open connection or a spot where a short circuit has occurred can easily be electrocuted, especially in the current wet weather.
According to the headmaster, a goat that ventured into the school grounds was electrocuted when it trod on the wires.
On the other side of the school boundary, a network of thin cables and wires can be seen running in different directions above the ground.
These all tap into the thin cable which serves as the main illegal power supply and increases the danger of electrocution or serious injury.
The matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant department at the Msukaligwa Municipality.
A reply is still being awaited.
