Woman Found Dead Near Aloe T Squatter Camp in Komani

Woman found dead near Aloe T Squatter Camp in Komani

A 23-year-old woman was found dead on Saturday morning near the Aloe T Squatter Camp in Komani, Eastern Cape.

Police spokeswoman Yolisa Mgolodela said the incident was reported at approximately 08:50 on Saturday, 7 February.

According to Mgolodela, the complainant was on duty when she received a report that a person had been found unresponsive near Aloe T Squatter Camp in the Mlungisi area.

“Police proceeded to the scene and on arrival found the body of a 23-year-old female lying behind 9760 Phahlabe Street in Newvale,” said Mgolodela.

“She was found lying on her stomach with live electrical wires underneath her body. She sustained burn injuries.”

Mgolodela said emergency medical services certified the woman dead at the scene.

“An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she said.

A community leader from the area, Bulelani Qowa, said residents have raised ongoing concerns about unsafe electricity connections in the settlement.

“This is not the first time someone has died after coming into contact with live electrical wires in this area,” Qowa said.

“These connections are dangerous and have previously resulted in injuries and the loss of livestock. We have been calling for intervention to prevent further incidents.”

Qowa said he had previously reported a separate incident involving livestock to the authorities.

Residents of Aloe T Squatter Camp have for some time been calling on Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to address electricity access and safety concerns in the area.

The municipality has previously indicated that electricity infrastructure is not installed in informal settlements that are earmarked for future relocation. Executive Mayor Madoda Papiyana has previously stated that such settlements are considered temporary.

The outcome of the inquest will determine the exact cause of the woman’s death.