Man electrocuted while stealing cable from cellphone tower

A 38-year-old man was electrocuted and died when he tried to steal an electrical cable from a cellphone tower at Pelican Park High School, in Eagle Park, on Friday August 2.

Grassy Park police spokesperson Captain Wynita Kleinsmith confirmed that a body was found at the school’s cellphone tower.

“We received a report at 8.30am that a body was found at Pelican Park High but the gate was locked and we had to wait for (school officials) to open. The tower is situated on the school’s sports field. The offender is known, as one of our police officers recognised him. He was electrocuted while he was trying to steal cables from the tower.”

Captain Kleinsmith said police had noted frequent cable theft in the Grassy Park precinct. “We also have had quite a few arrests and convictions.”

Ward 67 councillor Gerry Gordon warned the community not to steal cables. “I’m aware of the incident and my advice would be that people don’t take chances with their lives in as far as to remove the City cables.

“People must report if they know of anyone tampering and removing the City cables as this leaves a few communities without electricity.”

To report people who are tampering with cables, call Law Enforcement on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.