Wesbank residents were left shocked on Wednesday after a man was electrocuted while allegedly trying to steal cables.
The victim’s charred body was found on a veldjie near Silversands.
The body of Manuel Pharo, 27, was discovered on a pole just after 5am next to the canal.
Pharo’s neighbour, Jessica Vaass, says one of his friends came shouting that his body was hanging from a pole and that he died.
“When everyone came to look for his body, he was lying in a deep hole. His hands, face and everything was covered in
wet sand. It was mos raining and his friends he was with removed him from the hole,” Jessica says.
Manuel Pharo's girlfriend Loraine Petersen (right) and their son, Earl, at the scene.
Picture: Phando Jikelo/ African News Agency
She says the father of one was not known for stealing cables.
“Eskom’s people was here [at the scene] and alleged he was trying to steal cables, but he was not that type of person. He used to skarrel for tin cans, plastic and cardboard to make money to provide for his son. He would go to the shop or do odd jobs for mense. We’re all shocked. This is the first time he is involved in stealing cables.The friends he was with (two guys and a female) fled because they don’t want to speak to the police,” Jessica adds.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms the incident and says officers arrived at the scene at 6.30am.
“This office can confirm that the body of an unknown male was found on Wednesday around 6.30am on an open field next to Hindle Road, Silversands.
“It appears the victim was electrocuted. An inquest case docket was registered and a post mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” Van Wyk said.