Date: 2025-07-18 10:23:31
Another fatal explosion linked to suspected electrical infrastructure theft
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 JULY 2025
ANOTHER FATAL EXPLOSION LINKED TO SUSPECTED ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THEFT
EThekwini Municipality’s Energy Management Directorate is deeply concerned following another fatal explosion, believed to have resulted from suspected theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure—this time in South Coast Road, near Clairwood.
The incident tragically claimed the life of a person whose body was discovered at the scene.
Preliminary reports suggest that the deceased may have taken advantage of an active work site where a water pipe was undergoing repairs.
A medium-voltage cable had been temporarily exposed at the site, pending backfilling.
It is suspected that this cable may have been tampered with, triggering a deadly explosion that also caused a disruption in electricity supply to parts of the Clairwood area.
The Energy Management Directorate has launched an investigation into the incident, which comes just 48 hours after another fatal explosion occurred in Isiphingo that claimed two lives under similar circumstances.
The Directorate is growing increasingly concerned at the rapid rise in alleged sabotage of critical electrical infrastructure.
“The increasing frequency of these fatal incidents is deeply troubling. Not only do these acts endanger the lives of those who engage in them, but they also pose a serious threat to surrounding communities and disrupt essential services,” said Philani Shange, Acting Director of the Energy Management Directorate.
The public is encouraged to stay away from electrical infrastructure and to immediately report any suspicious activity.
It is only through collective vigilance that we can protect Municipal infrastructure and prevent the further loss of life.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.
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