By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Residents of Mandela Park Village were left horrified after a man was electrocuted while allegedly tampering with an electricity transformer in broad daylight.
According to eyewitnesses, a loud bang from the transformer was followed by a scream that sent residents rushing to the scene. They found the man, known locally as part of the Izinyoka gang—suspected of cable theft—lying badly burnt beside the transformer.
A video clip that has since gone viral on social media shows the man writhing in pain and attempting to walk towards an ambulance for help. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed the incident, saying the victim died in hospital the following day.
“This is the second such incident in the area involving an Izinyoka being electrocuted while tampering with electrical infrastructure,” Mophiring said.
Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality spokesperson Thabo Kessah said the municipality had launched an investigation into the incident.
“We’ve noted reports on social media about a person electrocuted while interfering with our infrastructure. We strongly condemn all acts of vandalism and cable theft, which continue to disrupt service delivery. A thorough investigation will be conducted,” Kessah said.
Community members said the deceased had previously been caught and warned several times by local patrollers for allegedly stealing cables and damaging electricity infrastructure.
“It was shocking to see someone sitting next to the transformer with severe burns. We only recognised him when we got closer,” said a 46-year-old resident who asked not to be named.
“There was nothing we could do but wait for the ambulance.”
Authorities have once again warned the public against tampering with electricity infrastructure, saying such acts are not only criminal but also deadly.
