Khayelitsha man dies after being electrocuted while trying to connect illegal power cables
Harare SAPS has opened an inquest into the death of a man allegedly electrocuted while attempting to connect illegal cables.
Image: AI generated
In a shocking incident, a 39-year-old man fell on his head after he was electrocuted in an attempt to connect illegal cables amid a power outage in Harare, Khayelitsha, on Wednesday night.
The incident took place just before 9pm, when the deceased allegedly climbed an electrical pole in Funza Street and tampered with the electrical cables to connect illegal cables on the electric pole.
Police and emergency medical services were called to the scene where the victim was declared deceased on the scene.
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that after the deceased was electrocuted, he fell on his head and was declared deceased on the scene.
Mpendukana explained: “Harare SAPS has opened an inquest docket following an incident that occurred at Funza Street, Harare on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at around 8.58pm.
“According to reports, the 39-year-old male was connecting illegal cables on an electric pole, resulting in him being electrocuted.
“He fell on his head and was declared deceased on the crime scene by medical personnel. Investigation continues.”
Ward councilor Anele Gabuza condemned the actions by the deceased and said that the entire Harare has been affected by a power outage.
Gabuza said: “I did not get the information about this incident. I am not aware.
“The power has been off in the entire Harare for quite some time. I am still contacting Eskom to come and fix the problem.
“Many residents are waiting on Eskom to come and switch the power on because some people’s electricity has been off for three weeks, some have been off for one month, and the problem is not being fixed.
“I am not sure what is going on and causing the delay, or when the electricity will be restored,” Gabuza said.