By Anita Dangazele
Illegal electricity connections in Vastrap informal settlement, Booysens Park, Gqeberha, have led to four deaths since January.
Residents have been tapping into a nearby substation, with dangerous live wires running through the ground and overhead to their homes.
One wrong step can be deadly. In January, a young father, Siyakudumisa Mbombo, was electrocuted while trying to save his daughter from being shocked.
In April, a toddler and a teenage girl were also electrocuted just days apart.
The most recent death was 17-month-old Mattoa Ferreira, who was electrocuted on Thursday after touching a live wire while playing outside.
His father found him trapped on the wire and rushed him to a clinic, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said an investigation has been opened.
Residents of Vastrap say the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has been slow to provide safe electricity, despite the ongoing deaths.
NMBM spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the municipality is responsible for providing safe infrastructure, but illegal connections made by residents are also part of the problem.
A full investigation is needed to determine the municipality’s role.
Soyaya added that a budget is in place for installing electricity in the area, and the municipality is working to prevent more tragedies.
Pictured above: Vastrap informal settlement in Booysens Park, Gqeberha.
Source: Supplied
