Girl (12) electrocuted; muni ‘sorry’

POLOKWANE – Miliswa, a Gr 6 learner at Pietersburg Comprehensive School (PCS), died in Mediclinic Limpopo on Thursday afternoon after she was electrocuted at a municipal bus terminal next to her school in Grobler Street while waiting for her transport to arrive.

Nkadimeng told Miliswa’s parents, Mvuyisi and Phoebe, “I didn’t greet you today because I couldn’t even look you in the eye. I cannot begin to imagine the pain I have caused you. I am sure it is unbearable, but I am standing here saying sorry for everything we should have done and didn’t do, for this has led to the death of your daughter.”

Yet, despite her words of condolences, the municipality is yet to offer any assistance to the bereaved family.

This week her father confirmed to Review that the only person who had thus far offered assistance to the family, was the contractor who had worked on the project and for this, he said he was thankful.

The only response to the incident was the mayor’s words to the audience at the memorial service, he said. During the service, Nkadimeng noted fact that contractors are appointed by government and therefore, by the municipality.

“It remains our sole responsibility to oversee what they do and to make sure our children, citizens and communities are safe. I am very sad that I have governed over a failure which has resulted in the loss of a life… Under my leadership I take accountability for what has unfortunately happened.”

She concluded by saying Miliswa’s life will go down in history as a painful reminder to her term as Polokwane Mayor.

She said the necessary investigations were under way and would also be overseen by the Department of Labour.

Miliswa’s funeral will take place at Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.

An inquest was opened, the police confirmed.

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