Man allegedly electrocuted by live wires exposed from a streetlight pole
SUNNINGHILL - Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe has raised concern as to why live wires were exposed from a streetlight in Sunninghill after an 18-year-old man was allegedly electrocuted after bumping into the wires on 12 February.
It is alleged the man bumped into the exposed live wires on a street pole at the corner of Naivasha and Rivonia roads.
Deppe alleged that there was a lack of urgency by the City to fix streetlights in Sunninghill and alleged that this contributed to the man’s death.
Deppe said, “We have asked questions in Council before around this [exposed live wires] and responses included new covers are made of plastic in order to avoid theft. Even on the highways, covers were stolen and then the new ones were welded on only for thieves to come with grinders and steal them within days.”
She further stated, “I am very concerned that as Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Department (Crum) this was not regarded as a matter of urgency.”
Update 8.40pm:
On the evening of 16 February, City Power released the following statement to Fourways Review:
The untimely death of the man is deeply regretted. City Power conveys its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the man.
It would appear that the man’s death is a tragic consequence of theft of the protective covering on the streetlight pole. City Power undertakes to give its full support to any South African Police Services investigation.
Theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure has become rampant over the last few years and has made it increasingly difficult for City Power to deal with the unforeseen consequences of illegal tampering due to the high number of such incidents. City Power is investigating technical solutions to develop vandal proof infrastructure.
We appeal to residents to report acts of criminality and illegal connections to their nearest police station or to call City Power anonymously on the toll free number 0800 00 25 87 or our 24 hour hotline 011 490 7553.
Other options that can be used include calling the Joburg Connect number on 0860 562 874, or posting queries on the City Power Twitter handle at @CityPowerJhb
