Illegal power connections claim little girl

Update

GEORGE NEWS - A two-year-old toddler died on Wednesday 16 October after she was electrocuted due to an illegal power connection in Dube Village informal settlement, Thembalethu.

Athandwa Lali's death came just weeks before her third birthday in 11 November. She had just arrived in George from the Eastern Cape on Tuesday 15 October to visit her parents. Her father, Mzingisi Khulabi, describes her as a little girl who brought great joy to the family.

"We are lost for words, we are very saddened and shocked by this incident. We were looking forward to celebrating her third birthday and this has really paralysed us emotionally," he said.

Khulabi said Athandwa was playing with other kids at a nearby house when she touched a wire running from a homemade electricity distribution box which was put together in an illegal, primitive and unsafe way.

"She was then electrocuted and fell. An ambulance was called; however, my wife couldn't wait that long for it and she organised a private vehicle to transport her to the hospital and this is where she was declared dead."

Khulabi said he was angry at first, but he can't blame anyone for the incident as no one planned for this to happen. He just hopes the municipality, that has already started to install electricity in the area, will fast-track the process. "So that we don't have to experience another tragedy in this area," he added.

Athandwa will be buried in the Eastern Cape this coming weekend.

Incident investigated
The news of Athandwa's death caused a public outcry from the community, government and politicians condemning illegal connections in Thembalethu.

Athandwa is the fourth person to die from an illegal electricity connection in the area since the start of the year. The three other victims include two adults and another child.

The George Municipality has investigated the incident in line with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and has submitted a report to the Department of Labour. The police have opened an inquest docket into the death.

The municipality's acting director of Electrotechnical Services, Paul Gerber, extended his condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and appealed to all communities to safeguard their own people and children by not making illegal connections or using other dangerous electricity-related practices.This is where Athandwa Lali (2) was playing when she touched wires running through a homemade electricity distribution box.

Danger stressed
"We recognise that people want electricity, but there are good reasons why the procedures of supply must be followed. Stealing electricity is very dangerous for everyone - not just for the ones making connections, but for every person and animal within the illegal connection zone. Children are especially vulnerable as they are curious and likely to explore and dig out electricity lines or try to open up rigged boxes and interesting-looking wires," said Gerber.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape also expressed shock about the incident. "The DA wishes to extend its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased child who is expected to be buried this coming weekend in the Eastern Cape," said DA Member of Parliament, Dr Mimi Gondwe.

Gondwe said the DA remains committed to raising awareness about the risks associated with illegal electrical connections and other unsafe and/or illegal practices involving electricity, such as repurposing gas or paraffin appliances to be powered by electricity.

The illegal electricity connections that killed Athandwa. Photo: Zolani Sinxo