POLL PERIL: ANC campaigner suffers electric shock and broken leg during poster drive
Eskom and City Power have warned political parties not to attach their posters to electricity infrastructure.
An ANC activist in Johannesburg sustained an electric shock and a broken leg while campaigning door-to-door, according to reports. The incident occurred in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, when the activist reportedly fell 6 meters from a streetlight pole while installing election posters. The individual, whose name is known to Daily Maverick, was taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital for treatment. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed the hospitalization and said the utility was aware of the accident.
On October 14, Eskom issued a warning to political parties and independent candidates against attaching posters to electricity infrastructure due to the high risk of electric shocks, burns, and fatal injuries. The power utility explained that unauthorized campaign material obstructs maintenance, hinders safety inspections, and can damage grid infrastructure. City Power also warned parties that unauthorised tampering with electricity infrastructure is prohibited under the Greater Johannesburg Electricity By-laws.
The exact circumstances of the activist's fall are still unclear, including whether he came into contact with a live cable or was injured by the pole. On Raleigh Street in Yeoville, an ANC election poster was photographed hanging from overhead cables, just one of several issues plaguing the area, which often experiences power and water outages. City Power stated that only authorized municipal employees or agents can make adjustments or repairs to electricity service connections.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
