Johannesburg - A man suspected to have been trying to steal overhead cables was electrocuted in Robertsham, south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday, said City Power.
“This individual was found dead at the top of a nine-metre pole with a bolt cutter in his possession,” said spokesman Sol Masolo.
The electricity supply was cut off for a short while at one street as paramedics removed his body from the pole.
“We regret his death, particularly as it was unnecessary,” said Masolo.
City Power experienced about 3000 cable theft incidents every year.
It was putting measures in place to try to put an end to the theft.
“Currently City Power is rolling out ABC (Aerial Bundle Conductor) cable across Johannesburg that has aluminium content and has no value to cable thieves,” Masolo said.
They planned to lay concrete on surfaces that had cables running through them. - Sapa