Courts

MBABANE - The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) is facing lawsuit of more than E6 million following an electrocution incident that allegedly claimed the life of child.

The incident is alleged to have also left members of the child’s family with severe injuries, permanent disability and psychological trauma.

Six plaintiffs from Mncitsini, Mpolonjeni, in the Lubombo Region, have instituted proceedings against the power utility in the High Court, seeking a combined amount of E6 042 000 together with interest and legal costs.

The action arises from an incident alleged to have occurred at a Vilane homestead on September 14, 2025. According to the Combined Summons filed in the High Court, a fault developed on one of the electricity poles situated near the homestead, resulting in a fire.

The plaintiffs allege that EEC was alerted to the developing danger, but failed to respond with the urgency required by the circumstances.

They claim that the situation subsequently escalated when a high-voltage overhead power line snapped and fell onto the boundary fence, surrounding the homestead.

In what the court papers describe as a catastrophic turn of events, the fallen power line allegedly energised the entire perimeter fence, exposing occupants of the homestead to a high-voltage electrical current.

The summons alleges that several members of the family were electrocuted, resulting in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma and the death of a minor child. At the centre of the claim is Nokwanda Portia Vilane, aged 20, on whose behalf Andreas Mfana Vilane has instituted proceedings in a representative capacity.

The summons states that Nokwanda, who was pregnant at the time of the incident, allegedly suffered electrocution injuries, induced labour, shoulder and toe disarticulation, permanent disability, pain and suffering and anticipated future medical expenses.

An amount of E4.2 million is being claimed in respect of these alleged injuries and losses.

The second plaintiff, Nokuthula Mamba, is claiming E1 million for emotional distress allegedly suffered after witnessing the death of her minor child during the electrocution incident.The summons alleges that the child died in Mamba’s presence on September 14, 2025.

The pleadings describe the experience as having caused her considerable pain, trauma and emotional distress.

The remaining claims include E40 000 sought by Jabulile Vilane for alleged shock, psychological trauma and emotional distress.Thandazile Vilane is claiming E400 000 for shock, trauma and emotional distress, while Mpumuzo Vilane is also demanding E400 000 for pain and suffering associated with electrocution, shock and emotional trauma. The sixth plaintiff, Meshack Vilane, is claiming E2 000 for the alleged loss of a pregnant goat during the incident.Together, the individual claims amount to E6 042 000.

The plaintiffs contend that EEC owned, operated, managed and controlled the electrical infrastructure situated at or near the Vilane homestead.

They argue that the company consequently owed the occupants of the homestead, as well as lawful visitors, a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in the inspection, maintenance and operation of its electrical infrastructure.In their particulars of claim, the plaintiffs accuse the utility of negligence.

Among other things, they allege that EEC: Installed a high-voltage overhead line above or dangerously close to the homestead without adequate protective measures; failed to inspect, maintain and repair the electrical infrastructure; failed to introduce appropriate protective fencing or isolation measures; failed to respond timeously after being informed of the electrical fault; and failed to comply with applicable electrical safety standards.

The plaintiffs maintain that the danger posed by the positioning and condition of the power line was reasonably foreseeable and that appropriate precautions could have prevented the incident.

They further allege that EEC failed to manage the developing crisis despite having been notified of the fault.These allegations remain the plaintiffs’ version of events and their veracityy is yet to be tested and determined by the court.

In addition to payment of the principal amount of E6 042 000, the plaintiffs are seeking interest calculated at nine per cent per annum, legal costs and any further or alternative relief the court may consider appropriate.The plaintiffs state that a formal demand for payment was made before the court action was instituted, but that EEC allegedly failed or refused to settle the amount demanded.

The Vilane family is represented by Mthethwa Attorneys. EEC has since filed a notice of intention to defend the action and it is represented by Musa M. Sibandze Attorneys.

According to the combined summons filed in the High Court, a fault developed on one of the electricity poles situated near Mncitsini, Mpolonjeni, resulting in a fire. The plaintiffs allege that EEC was alerted to the developing danger, but failed to respond with the urgency required by the circumstances. (File pic)