A man is currently fighting for his life after he was electrocuted while reconnecting electricity illegally on a street pole in Laudium.

It is believed the man was hired to illegally reconnect tenants who were disconnected for owing a huge electricity bill.

According to a local ward councillor Naeem Patel, the man was electrocuted, and the shock threw him off the ladder to the ground.

He said the incident occurred at around 12:00 on Friday.

Patel said the man was found bleeding from the nose and the ears.

“The man is well known for reconnecting electricity illegally in the informal settlement,” Patel said.

Patel said the person who was with the man committing the crime removed the ladder and went to the informal settlement.

Patel said the man returned to pick up the injured man with other residents from Itereleng.

“They were stopped by community members who alerted the police and the ambulance. “

The man is currently in Kalafong Hospital in intensive care, with his condition said to be critical.

Patel said the matter has been escalated, and criminal charges will be laid for interfering with municipal infrastructure.

Patel appealed to all residents to refrain from this type of illegal activity.

“Only City of Tshwane workers and approved contractors for the City are allowed to work on city infrastructure.”

The police are yet to comment.