Boy burnt by naked live power cables dies

The 10-year-old Tomlinson Primary School pupil who was seriously burnt by naked Zesa cables on Thursday - has died.

The boy's aunt, Ms Eresia Govha, said Takudzwa Nyandoro died at Parirenyatwa Hospital last night.

Earlier, his mother Ms Constance Sinachi-nge, had said her son was in pain and having difficulties breathing.

Takudzwa had been taken for an operation to insert an artificial tube to enable him to breathe.

The boy fell into a ditch with naked Zesa cables in Eastlea, Harare.

The incident has sparked outrage, with Harare residents accusing Zesa of "recklessly" leaving live power cables unsecured, resulting in deaths and injuries.

City lawyer Mr Rangu Nyamurundira said Zesa should be held accountable for damages and injuries in the event of such incidents.

"The increase of such cases is alarming and this is a clear indication that the organisation (Zesa) is neglecting its mandatory duties of supplying electricity and preserving human life.

"It should be known that in cases of damages as a result of electrical faults, the responsibility lies with Zesa.

"It should also foot all the expenses, failure of which calls for legal action. If people are injured, they should alert the institution and if it (Zesa) fails to pay for the loss incurred, there is need to sue the company," he said

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights programme manager Mr Dzimbabwe Chimbga said the power utility had failed residents.

"Currently, we have heard a number of cases reported caused by naked live wires left uncovered.

"In Zvishavane there is a case of a school pupil who was electrocuted.

"This is an indication that the institution is delegating its duties to unconcerned people. We strongly condemn Zesa for all those cases and it must be known that they should support the families of the people affected. We expect them to secure areas where they will be attending electrical faults," he said.

Ms Loyce Tigirigi said Zesa should not give "silly" excuses when such accidents occur.

Said Ms Tambudzai Mvarume of Highfield: "This is not the first time that we have heard of people being electrocuted or some getting permanent injuries as a result of Zesa's negligence."

Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira yesterday said: "We are greatly saddened by this very unfortunate development in which a young and promising life came adversely into contact with our operations.

"The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company has already instituted an investigation into the accident and we are still very confident that an impartial investigation will be conducted to ascertain the facts of what transpired during this particular incident and we will be guided by the outcome.

"Again we strive to ensure that temporary joints are left securely covered in the interests of safety to both human and livestock, with a view towards eliminating them completely as our revenue base improves.

"If any of our staff are found wanting, disciplinary measures will be instituted according to the company's code of conduct."

He encouraged members of the public to treat all electrical cables as live, and therefore dangerous at all times, even during load shedding as power may be restored without warning.

A commuter omnibus conductor was electrocuted last year after he and a passenger fell into a ditch with live cables during a scuffle over 5 rand change in Mbare.

A Sunningdale woman was burnt when she fell in a ditch with unsecured power cables on her way from church.