Man electrocuted while stealing Zesa copper wires, dies at UBH

A daring copper cable thief was burnt by electricity, hospitalised with severe burns and later died at the United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) after he and three accomplices who have since been arrested attempted to cut copper wire from HIGH-VOLTAGE electricity power lines in Colleen Bawn.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe confirmed the incident but could not give more information about the case as the policemen who are investigating the case in Colleen Bawn were out of office.

A high ranking ZESA official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the death of the man and the arrest of the three accomplices but could not provide their names. The late, Thembelihle Ncube (33), connived with his accomplices to cut the copper wire which fetches a fortune on the BLACK MARKET. According to sources at Zesa, Ncube, armed with bolt cutters, climbed a pole to do the cutting of the wire himself while his partners in crime were 'taking cover' for him. However, things did not go according to plan as an explosion burned and threw him to the ground while his 'money-making mates' watched in horror.

Ncube's clothes are said to have caught fire and his friends had to use sand and tree branches to extinguish the fire. The successfully put out the fire but Ncube had already sustained extensive burns to his arms, stomach, groin and legs. Ambulance paramedics who ferried him to UBH are said to have been amazed that Ncube, who was crying out loud in pain, survived the ordeal.

According to sources at UBH, Ncube struggled for life for almost a week but his injuries proved to be fatal as he passed away on Monday.