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- An 8-year-old girl from Grabouw in the Western Cape died after being electrocuted by illegal electricity connections.
- The child was playing in a grass area close to the illegal connections.
- In the past three years, electricity theft and vandalism in the province cost almost R200 million.
An eight-year-old girl from Grabouw in the Western Cape died after being electrocuted by illegal electricity connections on Sunday.
Matlhodi Maseko, DA member and chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Settlements in the Western Cape, said: "The young child was innocently playing in a grass area close to the illegal electric connections in Hillside, Grabouw. These connections are known to be extremely hazardous and with great sadness, we have witnessed the death of a child."
The police and forensic investigators arrived on the scene shortly after the incident.
"Illegal connections are an extreme hazard to our communities, and especially to young children who unknowingly come into contact with electric cables and wires. These criminal acts lead to tragedies just like this, when our children should be safe in their neighbourhoods," Maseko said in a statement on Monday.
"Illegal connections are poorly constructed and don't have the necessary electrical protection around wiring and cables for homes. They also reduce the stability of electricity to neighbourhoods and, in the long-term, contribute to power outages.
"In the past three years, electrical theft and vandalism has cost almost R200 million – money which should rather be spent to keep us safely connected."
Maseko said she was monitoring this situation and would follow-up with the relevant authorities and police.
"We trust that a full investigation will take place, and that the police will look into those who set up the illegal electricity connections around our homes in the first place."
She appealed to communities to report any illegal connections immediately, either to the South African Police Service by sending an SMS to 32211, or to Eskom by calling 08600 37566.
Eskom has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, saying a full investigation into the incident has also been launched.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of this child whose future has been so tragically taken from her and is a loss which could so easily have been averted. I also wish the injured sibling a speedy recovery," said General Manager for Eskom Distribution in the Western Cape, Mr Alwie Lester said.
The utility said there had been no reports to it regarding deaths of minors caused by them coming into contact with illegal connection in the last 12 months in the province. It added that six adults had, however, died from electrocution who were suspected to have been involved either in electricity theft, or coming into direct contact with energized wires or objects as a result of illegal and unsafe connections.
"Hillside Hostels in Grabouw is an active electrification project initiated by the local municipality, whereby 384 connections will be made. The electrification project is scheduled to start in September 2020 over a phased period. While the electrification of Hillside Hostels will reduce illegal connections in the immediate area, it will never eliminate the risk of such connections," it added.
*This story has been updated to reflect comments from a statement issued by Eskom.
