Child allegedly killed by illegal connection
The six-year-old boy was apparently climbing a tree when he touched one of the hundreds of illegal cable connections.
LYDENBURG – An illegal electricity connection allegedly cost the life of a young child in Mashishing last week.
The six-year-old boy was apparently climbing a tree when he touched one of the hundreds of illegal cable connections.
He was apparently electrocuted and fell from the tree. Extension 5 and 8 in Mashishing are known for hundreds of illegal connections, but this is the first time that a life has been lost on account of these illegal connections. The newspaper had on numerous occasions reported about these.
Despite the fact that Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM) still owes Eskom millions of outstanding debt, hundreds of houses in these extensions are still using electricity unlawfully. All of these and shacks in these extensions are connected to electricity poles and other houses. What looks like speed humps are actually cleverly disguised illegal connections. Basically every house and shack is connected with electric wires from one stand to three or more other shacks and houses. Steelburger/Lydenburg News previously spoke to some of those who stole electricity and most of them claimed that they were entitled to free power.
Sgt Elizabeth Mogoa, police spokesman for Lydenburg SAPS confirmed that an inquest had been opened into the death of the child. “I cannot disclose the name of the child as this is a state case. At this stage we don’t know what exactly happened.
According to information the child fell from a tree. Investigations are still underway.” A post-mortem was set to take place on Wednesday to determine the cause of death.
The acting municipal manager, Mr Lesley Mokwena said they were aware of the death of the child.
He emphasised that those who had illegal connections were playing with fire and their own lives. “This child was electrocuted last week on account of an illegal connection.
The municipality highly sympathises with the family, but residents should take this as a lesson. Stealing is highly uncalled for and action will be taken against those caught stealing electricity.”
