By Kaya 959 Reporter
An 11-year-old boy died after stepping on an illegal electricity connection in Orange Farm.
Technicians have since disconnected the power cables. Eskom says the wires were illegally connected to a transformer supplying electricity to a neighbouring school.
The boy and his friends were allegedly swimming near a railway line when the incident occurred. One of the boys made contact with open wires on the ground
The boy’s brother picked him up and carried him to the Golden Highway. Gauteng Emergency Services declared him dead on the scene.
Eskom SHEQS Manager in Gauteng, Kith Maitisa, says they are deeply saddened by the boy’s death.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” Maitisa said.
He said the number of children injured by stepping on illegal cables was concerning.
“Illegal connections are totally unsafe as they do not only risk injury to those conducting them, but also to others in the same vicinity,” he said.
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Eskom tackles illegal connections
According to Maitisa, Eskom is working with police and other law enforcement agencies to remove these illegal connections in the area.
“Communities in areas with illegal connections tend to become hostile towards Eskom when removing these wires. Of further concern to us is that many communities tend to replace the removed illegal connections just a short time after their removal,” he said.
The power utility urges residents to refrain from illegally connecting electrical cables.
Eskom has intensified its customer education programmes. The power utility says it is shining the spotlight on incidents related to electricity safety and the responsible use of electricity. The efforts are in support of its ‘Zero Harm’ value.
Members of the public are urged to report those conducting illegal electricity-related activities to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.
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