THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is investigating an incident which occurred in Hwange, where three villagers suffered electric shock after coming into contact with fallen power lines.
One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy, succumbed to his injuries at the United Bulawayo Hospitals, where he was receiving treatment.
The other two are still hospitalised. Zera chief executive officer Edington Mazambani told Southern Eye that the initial report from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company indicated that the incident was non-fatal.
“The authority then met with the mother of the now-deceased at United Bulawayo Hospitals while the victim was still being treated,” Mazambani said.
“The authority will be travelling to Hwange this week for the investigation.”
According to villagers, the power lines had been left lying on the ground for more than three years.
“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,” Mazambani said.
“We are also engaging the utility to ensure that it carries out routine maintenance on its infrastructure.”
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Ward 12 Nakabandana councillor Jowan Chuma blamed negligence on the part of the power utility for the death of the teenager.
The mother of the 13-year-old surviving victim, Anala Mpala, said her son suffered electric shock and is still admitted at UBH
“The ZETDC has offered to take care of all the medical bills and my accommodation in Bulawayo,” she said.
