CAPE TOWN - The City has blamed vandalism as one of the factors leading to exposed cable wires which led to a 2-year-old being electrocuted in Malibu Village near Mfuleni.
“The City of Cape Town’s Electricity Distribution and Generation Department carried out the necessary repairs to this particular street light, reference number: 9111565893, and others in the area on October 9 2021. Unfortunately, the street light was vandalised soon after the repairs took place.
“The Malibu Village area and other areas across the metro have experienced an unprecedented increase of electricity infrastructure theft, vandalism and illegal connections. City teams go to the Malibu Village area regularly to conduct repairs to the streetlights,” said City Spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo.
The boy’s death has left the family devastated and sent shock waves through the community. The Cape Times visited the distraught family who asked to be not interviewed.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said Kleinvlei detectives registered an inquest for further investigation.
“The circumstances surrounding an incident in Tijuana street in Malibu Village on Saturday (2021-10-16) at about 5pm are under investigation. Upon arrival at the scene, Kleinvlei police found the body of an unknown boy lying on the road. The victim, a two year old boy , was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel,” said Swartbooi.
However GOOD secretary-general Brett Herron has blamed the City for the incident, saying there was negligence on the management of its infrastructure especially on the Cape Flats.
“There is exposed wiring and sewage everywhere. We have another death of a child due to neglect. We have a City that maintains some parts and totally neglects other parts.
“It's very sad for the family and the leadership of the City should take responsibility on how it treats people,” he said.
To report any illegal activity, call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
Cape Times