Eskom has confirmed the death of a child in Dunoon last week after being electrocuted by an illegal connection.
According to the power utility, the child was fatally injured after he made contact with the metal from a shack that was made live by an illegal connection in Ekuphumleni in Dunoon on Wednesday.
The child was rushed to the hospital and sadly succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased by medical staff on arrival at the Dunoon Day Hospital.
Eskom says this news comes as it continues to battle the scourge of illegal connections, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism across the Western Cape, with most of these occurring in Eskom electricity-supplied areas in the Cape Metropole.
Mbulelo Yedwa, General Manager of Eskom Distribution, Cape Coastal Cluster, has expressed his sincere condolences to the family and friends of the little boy.
“On behalf of Eskom management, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating tragedy. The loss of young lives in such heartbreaking circumstances is unimaginable.”
Yedwa further highlighted the importance of community cooperation in eliminating the scourge of illegal connections and bringing justice to the criminals who endanger communities.
“We urge members of the public to share critical information that can aid in curbing the dangerous practice of illegal connections and hold accountable those whose actions have led to these tragic and unnecessary deaths,” added Yedwa
The General Manager has urged both the police and community members to work closely with the power utility to prevent illegal connections and enhance public safety.
READ MORE: COCT’s efforts to curb illegal connections
