Teenager electrocuted in Philippi

22 August 2016

The City of Cape Town is saddened by the death of a 17-year-old teenager who died in Philippi this morning while trying to install an illegal electricity connection.

The young man and a friend tried to switch on the power supply on a pole-mounted transformer in Olieboom Road near the Jim se Bos informal settlement in Philippi at approximately 10:00 after the circuit breaker tripped as a result of overloading from numerous illegal connections.

According to the victim’s friend, he climbed onto the poles that hold up the transformer and while trying to switch on the electricity supply, he was electrocuted. The teenager was declared dead by medics who arrived on scene. An inquest docket has been opened.

This is one of the tragic consequences of illegal electricity connections. We urge members of the public to always steer clear of electricity infrastructure and not to be engaged in the installation of illegal connections because of the associated dangers.

"Philippi Farms is one of the hot spots for illegal connections, but every time the City has removed the illegal and unsafe electricity connections, members of the public have reinstated the connections after the officials have moved off site. Sadly, this incident underscores the ongoing challenges we face in this and other areas."Alderman Ernest SonnenbergCity Mayoral Committee Member: Utility Services

Three years ago, a 12-year-old boy was electrocuted in the same area after falling on an illegal electricity connection. A criminal case was opened against the owner of the dwelling, but the case was dismissed.

Jim se Bos and the Egoli informal settlement are both situated on private land in the Schaapkraal area and therefore, cannot be electrified. The community has unfortunately resorted to connecting their structures illegally to the grid and vandalising distribution infrastructure in the area. This is also affecting power supply to neighbouring communities on a regular basis.

"The City’s Metals Theft Unit has been very active in this area, trying to curb incidents of cable theft and illegal connections. Given that this is a farming area, it is often very difficult to catch the perpetrators as they are able to make a quick dash out of sight if need be. I therefore appeal to members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour. The City also has an informant reward system for information that leads to the arrest of cable thieves or to the recovery of stolen goods."Alderman JP SmithCity Mayoral Committee Member: Safety and Security

Members of the public can report cable theft or vandalism of City infrastructure or tip-offs to the Metals Theft Unit on 0800 222 771 or 021 400 2828.

End

Published by: