ZESA Ordered To Pay US$66 000 To Children Electrocuted By Low-Hanging Power Cables

ZESA Ordered To Pay US$66 000 Compensation To Two Minors Over Low-Hanging Power Lines

ZESA Ordered To Pay US$66,000 To Electrocuted Children

ZESA Holdings has been ordered to pay a total of US$66 000 (approximately R1 254 000) in compensation to two minors who suffered severe electrical burns after allegedly coming into contact with low-hanging power cables in Mangwe. The payouts follow High Court rulings delivered in January 2026, after the children’s families, assisted by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), sued the power utility’s subsidiary, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), over what was described as gross negligence.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the incidents occurred on 18 May 2022 in Mangwe Rural District, Matabeleland province.

In a statement dated 16 February 2026, the organisation said:

“The state-run ZESA Holdings is forking out more than US$60 000 to compensate two minors, who sustained severe electrical burns after coming into contact with low-hanging power cables owing to its employees’ gross negligence in the discharge of their duties.”

High Court Orders In January 2026

The first case involved an 11-year-old child. On 14 August 2024, ZLHR lawyer Prisca Dube filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court, arguing that ZETDC’s negligence led to the child’s electrocution on 18 May 2022.

On 16 September 2024, ZETDC denied liability and described the damages claim as “exorbitant”.

However, on 15 January 2026, Justice Dube ordered ZETDC to pay US$50 000 (approximately R950 000) in damages within two months.

In the second matter, a 14-year-old minor was rushed to St Anne’s Hospital in Brunapeg on 18 May 2022 before being transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), where he underwent surgery on his right arm. He was later declared to have a cumulative disability of 32%.

Summons were filed on 8 August 2024, with damages of US$52 000 (approximately R988 000) being sought.

On 14 January 2026, ZETDC offered US$16 000 (approximately R304 000), stating it was the maximum covered by its insurance policy. The offer was accepted.

On 22 January 2026, Justice Evangelista Kabasa ordered payment within 60 days.

ZLHR Speaks On Accountability

ZLHR said it assisted the families as part of its broader accountability efforts.

“For several decades, ZLHR has intervened in similar cases of ZESA Holdings’ negligence by suing and obtaining orders for payment of damages on behalf of numerous victims,” the organisation said.

The organisation added that its interventions aim to “foster accountability” and to deter violations by state-run institutions.

ZETDC had denied liability in both matters before the January 2026 outcomes.