The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is investigating an incident in Hwange where three villagers suffered electric shock after touching fallen ZESA power lines.
One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy, died from his injuries at the United Bulawayo Hospitals while receiving treatment. The other two victims are still in the hospital.
ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani told Southern Eye that the initial report from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company suggested the incident was not fatal. Said Mazambani:
<blockquote>
The authority then met with the mother of the now-deceased at United Bulawayo Hospitals while the victim was still being treated.
The authority will be travelling to Hwange this week for the investigation.
The authority is conducting public awareness campaigns in rural communities to educate members of the public to desist from getting into contact with fallen electric conductors and poles.
We are also engaging the utility to ensure that it carries out routine maintenance on its infrastructure.
</blockquote>
Villagers reported that the power lines had been lying on the ground for over three years, and the situation had been brought to the attention of the authorities several times, but nothing had been done to address the issue.
Ward 12 Nakabandana councillor Jowan Chuma placed the blame for the teenager’s death squarely on the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company and accused the power utility of negligence.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039779/zera-investigates-hwange-electrocution-incident">Southern Eye</a>

Pindula News

ZERA is looking into an accident in Hwange where 3 people got shocked by ZESA power lines. One of them, a 17-year-old boy, passed away. The other 2 are still in the hospital. ZERA is checking the situation and advising people to stay away from fallen power lines. The villagers had complained about the lines being on the ground for years but nothing was done. A councilor blamed the power company for the boy's death. ZERA will investigate the incident further and is working to make sure power lines are safe.

ZERA Probes Electrocution Incident In Hwange

A 17-year-old boy from Hwange tragically lost his life after being electrocuted by exposed electricity wires on downed ZESA poles.
Reports indicate that these fallen poles have remained unattended for an extended period, leading to several serious injuries among the local population.
Villagers are voicing their frustration over ZESA’s apparent negligence, alleging that live power lines have been left on the ground for over three years without any action taken to address the hazard.
In an interview with the Southern Eye, Ward 12 Nakabandana Councillor Jowan Chuma confirmed the alarming incidents, which have resulted in two people sustaining serious injuries, while the teenager’s death occurred in a separate incident last week. Said Chuma:
<blockquote>
A 30-year-old villager was severely injured in the Kasese area sometime in November last year while two boys, aged 13 and 17, suffered an electric shock on March 2.
The first one got injured at around 4 PM, while the 17-year-old boy was hit an hour later. The three were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, is responsible for managing the infrastructure that supplies power to consumers, ensuring reliability, maintaining power quality, and promoting efficient electricity use.
Hwange East MP Joseph Bonda reported that villagers encountered live power lines while returning from herding cattle. He said:
<blockquote>
There are about 15 poles that have been left lying on the ground for more than three years now. The power lines cut across a way leading to our pastures and the challenge is that when ZESA workers restore power they do not alert villagers making it difficult for villagers to know when they are in danger.
</blockquote>
The 13-year-old boy’s mother, Anala Mpala, said that her son, who is admitted to United Bulawayo Hospitals, suffered an electric shock while returning from herding cattle with other boys.
She revealed that ZETDC has offered to cover the boy’s medical bills and accommodation in Bulawayo. Mpala also said her son’s condition is improving.
More: <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039690/neglected-power-lines-kill-one-injure-two-in-hwange">Southern Eye</a>

A 17-year-old boy in Hwange died from getting electrocuted by ZESA power lines that were left on the ground for a long time. Other villagers have also been injured because of these fallen poles. ZESA has been blamed for not fixing the hazard despite complaints from the villagers. The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company is responsible for power supply and safety. The boy's mother said he is getting better and ZETDC will pay for his medical bills. Villagers are upset because they are not warned when ZESA workers restore power, putting them in danger.

17-Year-Old Electrocuted By Fallen ZESA Power Line In Hwange

Two Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) contract workers, including a 15-year-old Mozambican, were electrocuted while on duty in Hlabiso Village, Rusitu, Chimanimani, last Wednesday.
The victims, Erai Raimon, a Mozambican national and Givemore Maphosa from Mashiri Village in Maridheya, were working on a Lower Tension (LT) line that connects the Hlabiso main line to the Jozi homestead in the same village.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, the acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland Province, confirmed the incident to the <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/negligence-blamed-for-two-contract-workers-electrocution/">Manica Post</a>.
He said the workers died while on duty after their manager reportedly assigned them the task without ensuring that the power supply to the line was turned off.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also said the two victims worked for Hidden Well Contractors, a company owned by Richard Mushayanembeu. He said:
<blockquote>
On January 22, around 7 AM, Givemore Maphosa and Erai Raimon, both general hand employees for Hidden Well Contractors, were tasked with repairing an LT line from Hlabiso main line to Jozi homestead, where a nine-metre electrical pole had fallen.
They worked under the supervision of their manager, Tawanda Matsatswa. While digging a hole for the pole, their manager left to source additional manpower but forgot to switch off the power supply from the main line.
Although there was an electricity blackout in the area at the time, power was restored while the two were still working on the LT line.
Upon Matsatswa’s return, he found the lifeless bodies of the two on the ground and immediately switched off the power at the main line.
Matsatswa informed Mushayanembeu about the incident who reported it to ZRP Chimanimani.
When ZRP Chimanimani and ZETDC officials arrived at the scene, they found evidence of electrical burns on the hands and legs of the deceased duo.
Their bodies were still in contact with the power lines. The two bodies were taken to Chipinge District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem
</blockquote>

Two workers in Zimbabwe were electrocuted while fixing a power line. The accident happened because their manager forgot to turn off the power supply. The workers were working on a broken pole when the power suddenly came back on. They were found dead on the ground with burns on their bodies. Their bodies were touching the power lines. The two workers were taken to the hospital for examination. The company they worked for is being blamed for not following safety rules.

Two Workers Electrocuted On ZESA Line Following Unexpected Power Return

A 6-year-old girl was reportedly electrocuted last week in the presence of workers from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) at her home in Beitbridge.
ZETDC is a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, the state-owned firm tasked with generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity in the country.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037769/electrocuted-girl-buried">NewsDay</a>, Nothando Vurayayi was laid to rest in her home village near Sosera Halt, Bikita.
ZETDC covered the funeral expenses, which included the coffin, food, hearse, and transportation for mourners who travelled from Beitbridge for her final journey.
When approached by NewsDay for a comment, Alaina Suliwa, ZETDC’s stakeholder relations executive, declined to provide specific details about the organisation’s involvement, saying only that a thorough investigation with other stakeholders is underway. Said Suliwa:
<blockquote>
All I can say at the moment is an investigation to establish the exact circumstance is ongoing. We will share details when the exercise has been completed.
</blockquote>
A relative of the deceased said they had a meeting with ZETDC officials at their office. He said:
<blockquote>
We ended up going to their office where they offered to meet all the expenses for the funeral, which they did.
We buried Nothando in Vurayayi village near Sosera Halt and Pamushana Mission.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that ZETDC workers improperly connected an earth cable to a water tap, which Nothando and her friend approached to drink from when the tragic electrocution occurred.
When her friend attempted to pull her away, she was thrown against a fence by the electric current, which had been connected directly to test a faulty meter.
In the moments following the accident, ZETDC workers attempted to resuscitate Nothando, who had just begun school this year, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
They subsequently transported her to a doctor, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A 6-year-old girl named Nothando Vurayayi was electrocuted in front of ZESA workers at her home in Zimbabwe. ZESA is a company that provides electricity in the country. The workers were trying to fix a faulty meter and connected it to a water tap by mistake. Nothando and her friend got electrocuted when they tried to drink from the tap. ZESA paid for Nothando's funeral expenses. Nothando's family met with ZESA officials, who promised to investigate the incident. Nothando's friend also got hurt when she tried to save her. Despite the ZESA workers' efforts to save her, Nothando passed away.

6-Year-Old Girl Electrocuted In Front ZESA Workers

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has identified substandard solar panel products and improper installations as the leading causes of fatal electrical accidents in the country.
This year alone, at least 27 fatalities have been recorded from electrical incidents, with over 200 reported accidents—an alarming increase from the 45 deaths reported last year.
ZERA senior engineer Man’arai Ndovorwi presented these statistics during a stakeholder engagement in Bulawayo, which aimed to gather public feedback on the draft Energy Solar Products and Installation Regulations Act (ESPIRA).
He said the country loses an average of three to four lives each month due to faulty solar installations and counterfeit products. He said:
<blockquote>
We lose about three to four people every month due to bad installations, and we have heard numerous complaints from the market about fake products and poor-quality installation.
For anyone involved in installing solar systems, they should have undergone proper training in designing and installing these systems safely. We need to ensure that safety mechanisms are in place to prevent accidents.
</blockquote>
Ndovorwi explained that the combination of solar-powered systems and connections to the national grid if not properly installed, can pose a risk of electrocution. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034607/substandard-solar-installations-fuel-infernos-zera">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
People are setting up solar systems at their premises alongside ZESA installations, and if the installation isn’t done properly, electrocutions can occur.
Fowl runs, where electricity is extended, have also been identified as major contributors to electrical accidents.
Poor workmanship can lead to dangerous situations, with people being electrocuted inside these structures.
</blockquote>
Thubelihle Ndlovu, a ZERA electrical inspector for Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region, announced a new safety rule that will require all households to install a circuit breaker to help reduce the growing number of electrical accidents. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
We are introducing a new regulation to reduce electrical accidents. A mandatory breaker will now be required for all households to ensure that in the event of any fault, even the smallest one, it will isolate the circuit and prevent a fatal incident.
</blockquote>
He explained that many current circuit breakers in homes are not working properly, failing to detect faults until it’s too late.
The new circuit breakers, however, will be more sensitive and are expected to prevent dangerous accidents by preventing potentially deadly accidents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZERA says bad solar panels and installations are causing many people to get hurt or die from electricity. 27 people have died this year and over 200 accidents have happened. Solar panels need to be installed properly to avoid accidents. Having circuit breakers in all homes can help stop accidents from happening. The new circuit breakers will be better at finding faults and preventing accidents. People need to be trained properly before installing solar panels to avoid accidents.

ZERA Blames Substandard Solar Panels, Poor Installations For Rise In Electrical Accidents

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has forked out ZiG132 889, which is about US$10 000, to a 21-year-old man, as compensation for damages, after he was electrocuted 2 years ago and sustained severe electrical burns owing to gross negligence by the State-run power utility.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Dumisani Chikosi, who resides in Tonhodzai village in Chiadzwa in Manicaland Province, was electrocuted by some electricity cables that were hanging close to the ground in January 2022 while walking home in the company of four other people.
As a result of the electrocution, Chikosi suffered severe burns all over his body and permanent and irreversible injuries.
Chikosi, who was a teenager at the time that he was electrocuted, went on to spend 80 days at Murambi Garden Clinic in Mutare, where he received treatment. Added ZLHR:
<blockquote>
While in hospital, ZESA Holdings through its subsidiary, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), paid for his medical expenses although it was not forthcoming with respect to paying him compensation for the damages, he suffered.
This then compelled Chikosi to engage Peggy Tavagadza and Tatenda Sigauke of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights who in December 2022 wrote a letter of demand to ZETDC Eastern Region offices claiming US$20 000 in damages.
In their letter to ZETDC, Tavagadza and Sigauke told the electricity generating company that it was liable for the unfortunate accident, which was caused by negligence on the part of its employees, who neglectfully failed to secure electrical cables in a residential area, thereby endangering people.
</blockquote>
The human rights lawyers said in response to the letter, Cell Insurance, who are ZETDC’s insurers offered a settlement of US$10 000, which Chikosi accepted.
However, ZETDC vacillated and failed to honour its obligations in respect of the offer of settlement, which it had made. Said ZLHR:
<blockquote>
This prompted Tavagadza and Sigauke to file a summons at Mutare Magistrates Court on 5 April 2024 seeking an order to enforce payment from ZETDC.
While the matter was yet to be set down for hearing in court, ZETDC immediately made a payment amounting to ZiG132 889, which translates to about US$10 000 to Chikosi, as compensation for the damages, which he suffered from the electrocution. Resultantly, Chikosi withdrew the summons after ZETDC paid him compensation.
ZLHR intervened in assisting the minor child as part of its anti-impunity strategies to foster accountability at the country’s supplier of electricity and to deter and discourage acts of human rights violations by state-run institutions.
Over the years, ZLHR has intervened in similar cases of ZESA Holdings’ negligence by suing and obtaining orders for payment of damages on behalf of several victims.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Pays US$10 000 In Damages To Man Electrocuted By Hanging Electricity Cables

Two minors, aged four and six respectively, were electrocuted whilst sleeping in a room at a house in Kuwadzana 5, Harare on Monday.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the minors were electrocuted after getting in contact with an upright refrigerator which had an electrical fault. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a sad incident in which Junior Makwindi (4) and Tinotenda Tineyi Maketo (6) were electrocuted whilst sleeping in a room at a house in Kuwadzana 5, Harare on 19th February 2024.
Preliminary investigations by the Police have revealed that the victims were electrocuted after getting in contact with an upright refrigerator which had an electrical fault.
</blockquote>
Members of the public can follow several safety steps to prevent electrocution. These include:
<ul>
<li>Checking cables and cords for damage or fraying, and replacing any damaged cords immediately.</li>
<li>Keeping electrical appliances away from water sources to prevent accidental shocks. If an appliance falls into water, never reach in to retrieve it – always unplug it first.</li>
<li>Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, like kitchens and bathrooms.</li>
<li>Unplugging appliances when not in use to prevent any potential electrical hazards.</li>
<li>Avoid overloading electrical outlets by plugging in too many appliances at once.</li>
<li>Avoid running extension cords under rugs or carpets, as this can damage the cord and create a fire hazard.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Children Electrocuted In Harare, Upright Refrigerator Blamed

An 11-year-old boy was electrocuted in Kwekwe on Thursday after he came in contact with live electricity cables illegally connected to a chicken fowl run.
The Member of Parliament for Mbizo, Settlement Chikwinya (CCC), who attended the scene, said the boy was electrocuted before falling head-long on a hard object. Said Chikwinya:
<blockquote>
It is with a heavy heart to announce to you the passing on of a young boy aged 11 in Mbizo Section 10 Extension on January 26 due to what is preliminary electrocution compounded by head injuries upon falling after the electrocution.
A summary of observations and witness accounts point to the fact that the boy was electrocuted due to a leaked electric current from an illegally connected cable from the main house that was extended to the chicken fowl run.
</blockquote>
Chikwinya said the juvenile made contact with the steel rods on the fowl run.
He was pronounced dead upon admission at Kwekwe General Hospital. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006702/boy-11-electrocuted">NewsDay</a>

Kwekwe Boy (11) Electrocuted By Illegally Connected Cables

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings has reportedly agreed to pay US$15 000 as compensation for damages to a minor child who was electrocuted in April 2019.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the juvenile was electrocuted and sustained severe electrical burns due to gross negligence by ZETDC. Said ZLHR:
<blockquote>
The 13-year-old minor child was left nursing extensive injuries to his right upper limbs including permanent and irreversible injuries, which he suffered due to electrocution in April 2019 while medical doctors estimated his impairment percentage at 20%.
</blockquote>
On 16 September 2022, ZLHR’s Kelvin Kabaya wrote a letter of demand to ZETDC on behalf of the minor’s parents demanding payment amounting to US$15 000 as compensation for damages suffered by the 13-year-old child. The human rights lawyers said:
<blockquote>
The minor child was electrocuted by some exposed electricity cables, which were left hanging dangerously low and within reach of people at his parents’ residence in Penhalonga in Manicaland province. As a result of the accident, the child suffered severe electrical burns.
Kabaya told ZETDC that it was to blame for the unfortunate accident, which was caused by negligence on the part of its employees, who negligently left exposed electrical cables thereby endangering vulnerable children.
</blockquote>
ZLHR added that ZETDC has, through its insurer, Cell Insurance, recently advised Kabaya that it had accepted the minor child’s claim and would pay him US$15 000 as compensation for the damages which he suffered from the electrocution.

ZESA Agrees To Pay US$15 000 In Compensation To Electrocution Victim

A 15-year-old girl from Warren Park 1 suburb in Harare was electrocuted on Tuesday evening while walking barefooted in flowing water.
ZRP national spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the juvenile was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve her sandals lost in flowing water.
The incident took place at around 7 PM on Tuesday as Anotida Tendai Mazadza was walking home with two friends. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports a sad incident in which a 15-year-old female juvenile was electrocuted while walking barefooted in flowing water.
She was electrocuted while trying to retrieve her sandals which had been swept away by rainwater in Warren Park 1.
</blockquote>
A witness who spoke to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/girl-15-electrocuted/">H-Metro</a> said the girl was trapped in a trench that Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) employees left uncovered. Said the witness:
<blockquote>
A few minutes after it had stopped raining, the girl left home with her sisters to go and retrieve her sandals in the flooded trench.
People watched the two sisters trying to pull the one who was being electrocuted, and saw that they too were also being electrocuted.
By the time people got to the trench, it was already too late, as the young girl was already dead.
We tried to put her into the car and take her to the hospital thinking she might still be revived, but it was difficult because her leg that got in contact with the naked live cables would not bend.
</blockquote>
Anotida’s friend, who identified herself only as Anesu, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/15-year-old-girl-electrocuted-in-harare-suburb-after-stepping-on-water/">told ZimLive</a> that they were walking home shortly after it rained when the tragic incident occurred.
She said Anotida suddenly made a shrieking noise and cried out for help, saying “ndakufa guys, I’m dying please help me”.
The two friends reportedly tried to pull her out but backed off after they felt an electric shock.
ZETDC spokesman Prosper Mutswiri said a team of engineers had been dispatched to the scene to establish what happened.
Enia Murove, a resident, said that most of the time they hear the sound of sparks during the night, which she suspects is made by exposed electricity cables coming into contact with water.

Girl (15) Electrocuted After Stepping On Rainwater

A suspected thief has allegedly been electrocuted after a lifeless body was found in a structure that houses a ZESA transformer in Harare’s Highfield suburb.
<a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/12/07/zesa-thief-electrocuted-in-highfield/">ZBC News reported</a> that a huge explosion was heard in the neighbourhood in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
At that very moment, darkness plunged the area as lights went off unexpectedly, prompting residents to investigate the incident.
They proceeded to the transformer site where they found the dead body of a man with some tools next to it.
The suspected copper cable thief was apparently electrocuted before accomplishing his mission.
However, residents are worried they are likely to have a bleak festive season given the huge blast on the transformer that could be a sign of a serious fault.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was yet to confirm the incident.

Suspected ZESA Cables Thief Electrocuted In Highfield

A woman from Madumabisa village in Hwange was electrocuted on Wednesday last week after she tried to switch on a light in her fowl run.
According to the police, Lilian Mhlanga (41), had connected a cable from the house to the fowl run where she kept chickens that she wanted to feed on the fateful day.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland North Province, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/hwange-woman-electrocuted-to-death/">CITE</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
On 27 October 2022 and at around 1900 hours, Lilian Mhlanga entered a fowl run intending to feed her chickens.
</blockquote>
While switching on the lights, she was electrocuted and fell down to the floor.
The now deceased’s unnamed daughter later followed her to the fowl run to check on her and found her lying on the floor. Added Insp Banda:
<blockquote>
She tried to hold her by her hand but she was also shocked by the electricity.
</blockquote>
The deceased’s daughter then alerted some neighbours for help. One of the neighbours tripped an electric breaker so that they could remove the body from the fowl run.
An unconscious Mhlanga was rushed to St Patrick’s Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police officers and electrical engineers from Hwange Colliery Company Limited attended the scene and observed that the electricity connection from the house to the fowl run was illegal and some electricity conductors were not insulated.
Insp Banda implored members of the public to desist from making illegal electricity cable connections following Mhlanga’s death.

Hwange Woman Electrocuted While Feeding Chickens

A 12-year-old minor was on Saturday electrocuted after he touched the metal body of an electric swing at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Luna Park, Harare.
Police on Sunday said the minor was pronounced dead upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports a sad incident in which a 12-year-old boy was electrocuted after he touched the metal body of an electric swing known as a paratrooper on 03/09/22 at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Luna Park, Harare.
The victim died upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Investigations are in progress.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/09/family-grief-as-juvenile-electrocuted-at-zimbabwe-agricultural-show/">ZimLive</a>, the minor was later identified as Wayne Mugaure, a pupil at Alfred Beit School in Harare.
This, however, is not the first incident when tragedy struck at the annual agricultural showcase which has traditionally been combined with a lot of fun.
In 2011, Given Flint Matapure, who was 3 years of age, went missing at the then Harare Agricultural Show.
His remains were found days later by a worker who was clearing a piece of land within Exhibition Park. 
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Juvenile Dies After Being Electrocuted At Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings has denied culpability for the electrocution of three learners from Kweneng Primary School in Mangwe, Matabeleland South last week.
The three learners (aged 8, 9, and 10) sustained serious injuries after coming in contact with live ZESA cables while on their home from school.
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/05/20/three-schoolchildren-electrocuted-zesa-accused-of-negligence/">Three Schoolchildren Electrocuted, ZESA Accused Of Negligence</a></h2>
</li>
</ul>
The children are currently receiving treatment at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
Villagers in Ingwizi Growth Point blamed the incident on ZESA’s alleged negligence.
However, in a statement to CITE, ZESA denied villagers’ claims that the cables had been down since 2020.
ZESA also said the leaners had tampered with live cables. The power utility said:
<blockquote>
We learnt with a heavy heart this sad development involving Kweneng Primary School, Matabeleland South.
We are very concerned about the incident and we will be in touch with the affected families.
However, here is some truth about the accident that resulted in three children getting hurt by our powerline.
It is not true that this section of the line has been down since 2020. The issue can only be described as speculation and not representing the true facts on the ground.
In fact, this section has been in service all along coming out only when there are faults on the trunk Brunapeg 33kv feeder.
On the 16th of May 2022, the section of the line concerned was energized and the binding on the insulator came off, bringing the live blue phase conductor to about 2 metres above the ground.
It should be also noted that there was no pole that was down.
On the following day, 17 May 2022, the three children were walking home under the 33kv line.
At the site of the accident, the conductor was about 2m above ground. It is at this point that the children used a metallic object to reach out to the low hanging conductor, resulting in them receiving burns.
</blockquote>
ZESA exhorted children and members of the public to always observe electricity safety to avoid electrical accidents.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mangwe-learners-electrocution-zesa-says-victims-tempered-with-live-cables/">CITE</a></h4>

ZESA Denies Culpability For Three Schoolchildren's Electrocution

ZESA’s alleged negligence has been blamed for the electrocution of three children by collapsed electricity cables on Tuesday in Ingwizi village.
The three learners from Kweneng Primary School in Mangwe, Matabeleland South, were electrocuted when they came in contact with collapsed electricity cables while coming from school.
The three learners (aged 8, 9, and 10) whose sexes have not yet been established, are receiving treatment at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
According to villagers who spoke to CITE, the cables are said to have been down since 2020 following the collapse of supporting poles.
The villagers said despite making numerous reports to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) about the matter, nothing has been done to date.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland South Province, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident. She said:
<blockquote>
The incident occurred on 17 May 2022 between 1300 to 1400 hours.
They (children) were coming from Kweneng Primary School on their way home.
So along the way, they were electrocuted by two ZESA overhead cables that connect Ingwizi centre and Kweneng Primary School, which had fallen down.
The case was reported to ZRP Mphoengs and the victims were ferried to Brunapeg Hospital where they were later transferred to UBH and their condition is said to be serious.
</blockquote>
One of the Ingwizi villagers told CITE that the cables have been lying down for more than two years now. He said:
<blockquote>
In fact, this line from Gwanda to Ingwizi is a problem and these ZESA people do not want to help us.
These people are very negligent. Even here in Bulu, we have a line from Patse turn-off to Mphoengs, poles are also down.
We are sick and tired of these ZESA people. We have an electricity connection but it is as good as a useless white elephant.
Once power lines fall, they come and dismantle to terminate the line and stay for a very long time without fixing the fault.
</blockquote>
CITE reported that ZESA public relations officer, Prisca Utete requested that questions be sent to her via WhatsApp, which was done, only for her to say, “Noted.”
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zesa-negligence-three-mangwe-learners-electrocuted/">CITE</a></h4>

Three Schoolchildren Electrocuted, ZESA Accused Of Negligence

The family of a 15-year-old boy from Plumtree who was injured by an electric shock that killed two donkeys last week is appealing for financial assistance so that they can buy medication for the teenager.
The boy, Mthokozisi Ncube, was in the company of his 17-year-old brother, taking their sister-in-law to a hospital using a donkey-drawn scotch cart when he was electrocuted.
The scotch cart was being drawn by three donkeys and two of them died on the spot after being electrocuted.
Mthokozisi was seriously injured on his right hand and fingers and has been going to Plumtree District Hospital seeking medical attention.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 541px"><img alt="" decoding="async" height="490" loading="lazy" src="https://cite.org.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pl2-Copy.jpg" width="541"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Picture Credit: CITE</figcaption></figure>
His grandfather Emody Dube, told CITE that they were in need of financial help to get Mthokozisi to Mpilo Central Hospital for further medical assistance. He said:
<blockquote>
Not much has been done for him in Plumtree. He needs at least some pills and injections for the wound to heal and for the pain as well. They (health workers) only put bandages on him. There was no other medication.
If we could get him to Mpilo Central Hospital it would be better. But still considering the current situation there would be a need to buy more medication. We are appealing to those who can be able to assist to kindly do so.
</blockquote>
Those who are able to assist can contact Emody Dube on 078 322 5495.
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-223121" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_223121" style="width: 443px"><img alt="" class="wp-image-223121 size-full" decoding="async" height="470" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eletrocuted-Plumtree.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eletrocuted-Plumtree.jpg 443w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eletrocuted-Plumtree-283x300.jpg 283w" width="443"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-223121">Picture Credit: CITE</figcaption></figure>
<h4>More:<a href="https://cite.org.zw/electrocuted-teen-appeals-for-assistance/"> CITE</a></h4>

Electrocuted Plumtree Boy (15) Appeals For Help

A 21-year-old woman was allegedly electrocuted while bathing at her parents’ house in Mbizo, Kwekwe, police have confirmed.
Midlands provincial police spokesman Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the woman as Tinashe Nyika. He said:
<blockquote>Police in Midlands Province are investigating a case of sudden death by electrocution where a 21-year-old woman died after being electrocuted in a bathroom in Mbizo, Kwekwe on Saturday.
It is alleged that the now deceased, Tinashe Nyika, entered the bathroom intending to take a bath and was electrocuted after she touched the water tape.</blockquote>
Insp Mahoko said Tinashe allegedly screamed for help and was attended by her father Joshua Nyika who found her lying unconscious.
He said Nyika ferried his daughter to Kwekwe Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene.
He said it was established that there were electricity cables that were in contact with water pipes.
Insp Mahoko urged members of the public to always have loose electricity fittings and wires attended to by qualified people whenever they are seen as a way of promoting safety.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-woman-electrocuted-while-bathing/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Woman (21) Electrocuted While Bathing

A South African couple was electrocuted on Sunday just a day after they returned from their honeymoon.
The newlywed Johannesburg couple, Zaheer Sarang and Nabeelah Khan were found dead in their Crosby home at about 17:30 on Sunday.
It is believed that the woman collapsed after touching a tap in the shower and her husband was electrocuted when he tried to save her.
City Power CEO Mongezi Ntsokolo has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that a fault, caused by illegal electricity connections led to the couple’s death.
Ntsokolo said a preliminary investigation was underway to establish what transpired. Details will be provided at a later stage. He added:
<blockquote>While we a busy with investigations, we urge the residents to desist from tampering with electricity infrastructure, vandalism and illegal connections which may lead to the circuit malfunctioning.</blockquote>
Reports suggest Khan, 24, was electrocuted after touching a tap while she was in the shower and that Sarang was electrocuted when he raced towards her to save her.
Johannesburg police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said an inquest docket was opened. Said Masondo:
<blockquote>It is suspected that the couple was electrocuted. Police are still waiting for the post-mortem results that will confirm the cause of death.</blockquote>
The couple’s neighbour Hassan Aalim, told the media that Sarang and Khan had returned from their honeymoon on Saturday.
He said he knew something terrible had happened when he heard cries coming from their house.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/joburg-couple-found-dead-after-returning-from-honeymoon-electrical-fault-suspected-20210614" rel="noopener" target="_blank">News24</a></h4>

Couple Electrocuted A Day After Returning From Honeymoon

A beneficiary of the Presidential Scholarship Programme was allegedly electrocuted after stepping onto an uninsulated electric wire at his parents’ house in Lupane.
The incident was confirmed by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Matabeleland_North_Province" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matabeleland North</a> acting police spokesperson, Sergeant Namatirai Mashona.
20-year-old Auren Bekezela Nyathi was a second-year student at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa where he was studying for an Actuarial Science degree.
After stepping onto the electric cable, Auren reportedly fell down unconscious and his mother, Fungai Nyathi, informed some neighbours before rushing him to Lupane Medical Centre.
He was later transferred to St Luke’s Hospital because of the seriousness of the injuries and died on admission as his condition deteriorated.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/illegal-connection-electrocutes-student-20/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

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