IN a heartbreaking incident, a five-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being electrocuted while attempting to fetch water in the laundry at Burombo Flats in Bulawayo’s Thorngrove suburb yesterday morning.
Although the actual circumstances around the electrocution of the boy — Goodwill Ncube — were sketchy yesterday, it is believed he came into contact with live electricity wires as he was going to fetch water.
The young boy was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mpilo Hospital. Mr Aaron Ncube, who is Goodwill’s grandfather, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident.
“The death of my grandson is a consequence of the faulty electric connections in these neglected council flats. The overall condition of the building poses a serious health hazard to the residents. This incident highlights the urgent need for authorities to address these issues immediately. It is high time we prioritise the safety and well-being of our community members, especially our children,” he said.
Residents at the flat called upon relevant authorities to take immediate action to rectify the faulty connections and improve their living conditions.
Ward Eight Councillor where the flats are Clr Edwin Ndlovu confirmed the death saying it was a result of negligence on the part of authorities.
“We cannot accept what happened today. It is a result of negligence. This tragic incident has taken the life of an innocent child, and it is imperative that someone is held responsible for this preventable tragedy.
“We owe it to the Ncube family and the entire community to ensure justice is served. Immediate action must be taken to rectify the neglected state of the flats and to hold those accountable for this kind of negligence.”
