Teen electrocuted after touching wires

363 10.08.29 Electric wires left to run on the ground at Eden Park in Tokoza. Picture:Itumeleng English

363 10.08.29 Electric wires left to run on the ground at Eden Park in Tokoza. Picture:Itumeleng English

Published Aug 10, 2015

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Johannesburg - A teenager died and another was injured after touching live electric wires in a field in Lenasia.

Moroka police spokesman Constable Mzwakhe Xazi said the teenagers had been playing next to the Lawley train station.

“Police were informed about the incident at 2pm on Friday. On arrival, they declared the 18-year-old dead. The 15-year-old ran to get help,” he said yesterday.

He was admitted to hospital.

Police said the pair were high school pupils in Orlando, Soweto, and it appeared they had bunked school that day. An inquest docket has been opened,

The police have urged the community, especially around informal settlements, to ensure they know where their children are playing. They also advised children not to play near electrical wires because it was dangerous.

“Everyone must treat electricity as live at all times, whether at home or on the streets,” Xazi said.

In an unrelated warning, Xazi appealed to Soweto residents not to leave their house keys under their doormats or in their post boxes, or hide them anywhere in their yard, because “You don’t know who is watching.”

“Fighting crime starts with you. Let each and every person play his or her role,” he added.

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The Star

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