By Takudzwa Madondo
Marange: Bocha, 6 November 2025 – An 11-year-old boy from Chiadzwa is receiving treatment at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after being electrocuted by a fallen ZESA electricity pole on Monday.
The victim, Tapiwanashe Mapuka, a Grade 5 pupil at Tonhorai Primary School under Chief Marange, sustained serious burns to her legs, chest, neck and right hand after stepping on a live wire while on her way to the shops.
According to his aunt, Marvelous Mapuka, the accident followed strong winds that had swept through the area the previous day.
“It was on Monday when Tapiwanashe was electrocuted. On Sunday, there were heavy winds that caused the ZESA pole to fall. The next day, while he was passing by, the electricity struck him,” she said.
“There was a bit of water on the ground due to light rainfall earlier that day, and it seems that contributed to the shock. He was burnt on his neck, chest, legs and one hand. The neck injury is the most serious and is being closely monitored by nurses,” she added.
The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), which operates in the Chiadzwa area, initially assisted the family before ZESA assumed full responsibility for the boy’s medical care.
“Everything is now being handled by ZESA, and we are grateful for the support. The nurses say he is responding well to treatment,” Marvelous said.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of electricity infrastructure in rural areas, with community members urging ZESA to respond promptly to reported faults to prevent further tragedies.
As Tapiwanashe continues to recover, his family remains hopeful that he will make a full recovery and return to school soon.