Emjindini child electrocuted because of illegal connection

The scale, gravity and danger of people stealing electricity came forcibly home in a tragic way last Tuesday when a five-year-old child at Extension 11 in Emjindini came into contact with a live electric wire.

Prince Mkhonto (5), who was in Grade R at Amon Nkosi Primary School in Emjindini was playing outside his home with his friends when he accidentally grabbed an electric wire. He was electrocuted and died instantly. Prince’s family called the emergency services, but it was too late.

His friend, Boy-Boy Sibanyini (2) who had tried to help him, was admitted to Barberton General Hospital for treatment and discharged last Friday.

Ward councillor Anthea Mthunywa said an illegal power connection was discovered after the incident. “The wire was exposed but has now been removed by the council,” she said.

Some residents in the area obtain electricity through illegal connections, using telephone wires, fish hooks and other means to source the current.

Const Tutu Nkosi, spokesman for Barberton police said an inquest will be held into the boy’s death. She said the police were extremely concerned and warned that tampering with electrical wires was illegal and extremely dangerous.

“It is illegal to tamper with electrical wires of any kind and the public must report this to the authorities immediately. It is important that parents educate their children from an early age about electricity and the danger of playing around loose wires,” she said.

Prince was buried on Sunday.