Tendai Muererwa
Chimanimani – A routine afternoon of childhood play ended in tragedy when two sisters aged 7 and 10 were electrocuted after coming into contact with a live electricity line in Nyaruwa Village, Chimanimani.
The incident occurred on June 18 while the children were playing near an electricity pole in the village. According to Manicaland province acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka the elder sister climbed onto a stay wire that supports an electricity pole while running away from her younger sister during a game.
As the play continued, the younger sibling threw a piece of sugarcane towards her sister. The sugarcane missed its intended target and instead struck a line jumper on the electricity network, triggering an electrical fault that sent a powerful shock through the area.
Both girls were electrocuted and violently thrown to the ground. Villagers who witnessed the incident rushed to their aid before they were taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for emergency treatment. One of the girls sustained injuries to her hand, while the other suffered severe burns and injuries across her body.
The child with less serious injuries has since been discharged from hospital, while her sister remains admitted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after being referred for specialist treatment. The matter was reported to Machonjwe Police Base, and investigations were conducted.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by electrical infrastructure, particularly to children who may not fully understand the risks associated with playing near power lines and electricity poles.
Parents and guardians are being urged to closely monitor where their children spend their time and to educate them about the dangers of climbing electricity structures or playing near power installations. Communities are also encouraged to ensure that children use safe play areas away from potential hazards to prevent similar tragedies.
