A 10-year-old child died on Sunday evening after stepping on live electric wires in Nomzamo, Strand.
This happened barely a week after Eskom removed illegal connections in the area.
Grieving mom Julia Kani says her heart is broken as her son Aphelele Swaphi’s death could have been prevented: “I am not OK, my whole family is still in shock.
“We are still processing what happened.”
Aphelele was in Grade 4 at Danie Ackerman
Primary School.
The Daily Voice arrived on the scene yesterday as Eskom employees were cutting off the illegal
connections that killed the child.
Shoes belonging to the dead child were still at the scene.
Resident Nosakhele Lusu says all she saw was a “bright light” and then the boy’s dead body.
She says the electricity matter needs to be addressed before more children are killed.
“More children are not at school at the moment and these wires are just lying on the ground.
“The municipality must electrify the informal settlements that need electricity.”
The informal settlement is in the process of electrification, however delays have been caused due to the Covid-19
pandemic, says councilor Simthembile Mfecane.
“I invited different departments from Eskom and municipalities to discuss the plan around informal settlements. How many kids must die before there is action?
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said: “Please be advised that a death Inquest case has been opened for investigation.”