Man electrocuted, burnt to ashes trying to steal electricity transformer

Johannesburg - A man was killed when he tried to steal an electricity transformer in Bokfontein in South Africa, police said on Friday.

The man apparently scaled poles supporting a transformer that supplied power to the residents and farmers of Bokfontein, said police spokesperson Lesego Metsi.

"The deceased unscrewed the transformer and moved further up about 5m on the poles and tried to slacken off the live electric wires," said Metsi.

"He was electrocuted and was burnt to ashes."

The power was switched off for police to remove his remains.