ZETDC Denies Responsibility For Teenager’s Electrocution In Harare

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) firmly denies any responsibility for a devastating incident in Budiriro Extension 1 that led to the death of a teenage student. The young man, who was just 19 years old, was fatally electrocuted on Wednesday while working near a power line.

In an official communiqué, the state-owned power utility asserted that the tragic event occurred during an operation that was entirely outside of its sanctioned activities and safety frameworks.

The company stated that the deceased was linked to an external, private contractor. A ZETDC spokesperson elaborated, confirming that.

“ZETDC had not issued a permit or authorisation for any work on the Medium Voltage (MV) line at this location.”

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This key detail serves as the cornerstone of the utility’s position, effectively framing the incident as the result of a rogue operator flouting critical safety procedures.

ZETDC Denies Responsibility For Teenager’s Electrocution in Harare

While absolving itself of blame, the power company did express its sorrow over the young man’s death. The ZETDC extended its, in their words,

“deepest and most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time of loss and grief.” The statement further emphasised that “the safety of the public and our workers remains our highest priority.”

However, this message of condolence was swiftly followed by a stark warning to the public, urging extreme caution when dealing with electrical infrastructure connected to the national grid.

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ZETDC has renewed its call for homeowners and businesses to remain vigilant. The company has advised that all electrical work must be carried out exclusively by its authorised personnel to prevent such catastrophes. The spokesperson stressed the importance of this measure, stating,

“We implore members of the public to only engage authorised ZETDC personnel for any work connected to the national grid. Engaging unvetted contractors carries immense risk.”