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Eastern Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, visited the family of an elderly man who reportedly perished after coming into contact with a live electrical connection in flood-hit Nelson Mandela Bay.
A 75-year-old man from Kwazakhele in Gqeberha, Nkuleleko Gqomo, was one of two reported deaths as a result of electrocution.
The other fatality was reported in the Vastrap informal settlement where 51-year-old Bukelwa Ndima, was killed after coming into contact with a suspected “illegal” connection.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Bhisho government said Premier Mabuyane, visited the Gqomo family in Meke Street.
“This is a painful loss, and on behalf of the provincial government, I 2 extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.
We will do everything we can to assist them and ensure that no further lives are lost due to these floods,” Mabuyane said.
He also visited various other affected areas to assess the impact of the heavy rainfall and to oversee the efforts to assist those in need.
“We are mobilizing all resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our people. As the province braces for more heavy rains in the coming days, we urge residents to remain vigilant and follow instructions from authorities as we continue to work tirelessly to restore services and support those impacted by the flooding,” Mabuyane added.
According to a SAPS statement, the elderly man left his bedroom on Tuesday morning and discovered that the lounge was flooded.
“He noticed that the electric wires were submerged in water. As he attempted to disconnect the wires, he encountered the electrified water and was electrocuted,” said police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.
In the second incident reported in Vastrap, Janse Van Rensburg said Ndima left her house to go and charge her cell phone.
“At approximately 10:00 she was found by a family member. It is alleged that the deceased might have touched some of the illegal connection cables and was electrocuted,” she said.
Police investigations in both cases are still ongoing.
