GEORGE - Conville Police have opened an inquest docket following the death of Imogan Scholtz (16) from Mariaskamp on Tuesday evening, 12 December.
The teenager was electrocuted after coming into contact with a live power cable on a light pole on the corner of Valk and Kwartel streets. The light pole was vandalised days prior to the incident and was reportedly not safeguarded at the time of the incident, which occurred during rainy weather around 19:15.
Imogan was a Grade 10 learner at Parkdene Secondary School this year.
One of Imogan’s friends who was with him recounted the tragic event, saying the two of them were on their way home after walking a family member to her house. “We were laughing and playing as we came around the corner; I was just a few steps ahead of him. The next moment he called me, and at first I thought he was playing. Then I saw his face and realised he was stuck to the pole."
"I tried to pull him off but couldn’t and I tried again, also shocking in the process. Residents in the street came to help us and a couple drove him to the hospital while I ran home to call his grandmother,” his friend told George Herald.
It remains unclear whether Imogan leaned against the pole or touched it in passing. The light was vandalised last weekend and the matter was allegedly reported to the George Municipality but not fixed until after the incident.
In response to a media enquiry from the newspaper, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, senior communications officer at George Municipality, said they are aware of the incident. “However, in light of the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide information, as doing so could potentially interfere with the investigation.”
Sgt Chris Spies, the Southern Cape police spokesperson, also confirmed the incident. “The police were called out after 19:00. The teenager was declared dead by paramedics shortly after he arrived at the hospital. We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death,” Spies said.
Imogan lived with his grandparents, Ilsa and Neil Sysaar. A visit to the family home revealed both grandparents visibly distressed, their emotions evident as they exchanged photos and recounted cherished memories of Imogan. His particularly strong bond with his grandfather stood out during the conversation.
His mother, Laurika Maletta, who has been living in Joubertinia the past year following her marriage, described her son as a loving boy and animal lover. "He especially loved horses and belonged to a local horse-riding club. He always had time for a joke. We had so many dreams for him. He recently went for his ID, and he was so excited,” Maletta said.
Imogan's friends remember him as the most obedient in their circle of friends, the one who showed them the right path.
Imogan Scholtz (16) loved his horses.
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