17-07-2025
Man electrocuted on South Coast Road
A MAN died after being electrocuted by electricity cables on South Coast Road today (July 17). The victim (23) was allegedly trying to steal electricity cables when he got electrocuted and died at the scene.
It is suspected that this cable may have been tampered with, triggering a deadly explosion that also caused a disruption in electricity supply to parts of the Clairwood area.
Spokesperson for Montclair police station Captain Cheryl Pillay said, 'The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Montclair Police were in attendance with an inquest docket being investigated.'
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Dhevan Govindasamy of PT Alarms said, 'Damage to electrical infrastructure is on a rise. Little do people know the consequences of loss of revenue to businesses and damage to household perishables. A few rands can cost you your life. Residents need to take a stand in their communities and start protecting and monitoring substations and electrical and power supplies.'
eThekwni Municipality said the explosion is linked to the suspected electrical infrastructure theft.
'eThekwini Municipality's Energy Management Directorate is deeply concerned following another fatal explosion, believed to have resulted from suspected theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure.
'Preliminary reports suggest that the victim may have taken advantage of an active work site where a water pipe was undergoing repairs. A medium-voltage cable had been temporarily exposed at the site, pending backfilling,' statement read.
The Energy Management Directorate has launched an investigation into the incident, which comes just 48 hours after another fatal explosion occurred in Isipingo that claimed two lives under similar circumstances
Acting Director of the Energy Management Directorate, Philani Shange, 'The increasing frequency of these fatal incidents is deeply troubling. Not only do these acts endanger the lives of those who engage in them, but they also pose a serious threat to surrounding communities and disrupt essential services.'
The public is encouraged to stay away from electrical infrastructure and to immediately report any suspicious activity.
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