Municipal workers were repairing a leaking pipe, which caused the road to flood in front of houses near Endeavour Primary School. The barefoot eight-year-old tried to walk through the water, but live wires from a nearby electricity box apparently touched the water.

“We are relieved that the learner is out of danger and recuperating well,” said Sol Plaatje spokesperson Thabo Mothibi. “Our health and safety officer will stay in touch with the family and school.”

When they heard what had happened, teachers rushed to the scene and offered first-aid assistance whilst waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Parents and community members blame poor municipal services for the incident, leading to an unsafe environment. They plead with the municipality to repair the road and cover the live wires before more people get hurt.

“The actual problem has to be addressed, namely the deplorable condition of that specific road,” said social media user Meleney Goa. “It is not tarred … and the potholes are always filled with water, indicating an unattended leaking pipe(s). This incident might reoccur if another live wire becomes exposed again.”

Sol Plaatje Media Statement. Picture supplied

In a statement, Sol Plaatje blamed those tampering with the electricity distribution board, displacing the circuit breaker and exposing the live wire.

“In executing the immediate disconnection yesterday, the municipality sought law enforcement intervention after the occupant of the house … displayed aggression, prohibiting the team from undertaking a thorough assessment,” added Mothibi.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg