Tenant electrocuted while hanging washing at ‘hot-wired’ Galeshewe flats

TENANTS occupying rental units in Sephuru Street, Galeshewe, say they now fear hanging their washing after a 32-year-old resident was apparently electrocuted while taking down a blanket and duvet from a “live” washing line wire.

Residents said Frans Lebogang Prins died after being admitted to the Galeshewe Day Hospital on January 30.

“He moved into one of the flats last year. We live in fear, not knowing who might be next,” the tenants said.

According to residents, Sol Plaatje Municipality had previously been approached for assistance after they experienced ongoing electricity outages.

“The electricity boxes short-circuit and we are left without power. When it rains, sparks come from one of the boxes. Everything made of metal or steel becomes a conductor of live electricity. We cannot even close the front gate because it shocks you if you touch it. We also asked the ward councillor to assist us,” the tenants said.

One resident added that her son was shocked while playing outside the building.

“It’s dangerous because there are many children here,” she said.

Another tenant claimed that the municipality had advised residents that it was not responsible for the main electrical box.

“They told us that only the prepaid meter boxes fall under the municipality. The landlord called a private electrician to fix the problem. He said the electrical connections posed a grave danger.”

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane confirmed that the Galeshewe Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating an inquest following the discovery of the body of a 32-year-old man in Sephuru Street, Galeshewe, on Friday, January 30.

“Police investigations are continuing,” Shemane said.

Residents said the landlord maintained that the issue fell under Sol Plaatje Municipality’s responsibility. The DFA was unable to confirm the landlord’s identity.

The local ward councillor could also not be reached for comment, and Sol Plaatje Municipality had not responded to media enquiries at the time of publication.