Electrocuted man sues Zesa

A 20-YEAR-OLD Gweru man who was electrocuted by a low-lying electricity cable, is suing Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) for more than $250 000 in damages, medical and hospital expenses.

Mr Erasmus Dube was electrocuted on December 14 last year while coming from school when he came into contact with a live electrical conductor while passing near a low lying 11 kilovolt power cable in Hozheri village in the Midlands Province.

He sustained severe injuries which resulted in his left arm being amputated.

The victim, through his lawyers, Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing ZETDC, Gweru, as the defendant.

In papers before the court, Mr Dube said he suffered permanent disability and had to drop out of school after he was admitted for three months in hospital.

He is demanding $252 239,47 from the power utility being damages for bodily injuries, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement and loss of amenities, medical expenses incurred and operation and medication. Mr Dube accuses ZETDC of negligence. “I sustained severe injuries as a result of electrocution leading to the amputation of my left hand. The defendant failed to take reasonable measures to fix a fault which had occurred, knowing fully well the dangers associated with it,” he said.

Mr Dube said he suffered electrical burns which resulted in him being amputated.

He was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital before he was later transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

“I suffered unwarranted shock, trauma and shock. The medical reports show that I suffered 25 percent electrical burns and 70 percent disability of the left arm caused by the electrical heat wave of 11kv induced into my body,” said Mr Dube.

The plaintiff who used to play soccer and volleyball said the injuries were now a hindrance to his hobbies. Mr Dube, who is left-handed, said he is now having a torrid time trying to learn how to use his right hand.

ZETDC has not yet filed a notice to enter an appearance to defend the summons and it has 10 working days to do so. — @mashnets future surgical