Following the tragic death of an electrocuted seven-year-old, the Nkomazi Local Municipality has once again warned communities against illegal connections.

The boy from Steenbok died on the street when he came into contact with exposed electrical wires.

According to information received, the boy had been pushing a wheelbarrow to fetch water with his mother when this tragedy occurred.

The municipality’s spokesperson, Cyril Ripinga, said, “The municipality would like to offer its sincerest condolences to the bereaved family on the loss of their child. The municipality has gone on record on several occasions, warning communities about the danger of illegal connections. Eskom, too, has been very vocal regarding this matter.”

Ripinga said the mushrooming of new and illegal settlements creates this headache. “This puts a lot of strain on service delivery. All communities are always informed of electrification programmes taking place in their respective areas.”