Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least two people, including a man dependent on a portable oxygen machine, have died in Khutsong’s Ward 12 following weeks of prolonged power outages. Residents and activists allege that the Merafong City Local Municipality’s failure to restore electricity has had deadly consequences, particularly for those reliant on life-saving medical devices.
A Month Without Power
According to community members, the area has been without electricity for nearly a month due to a faulty transformer. Despite promises from the municipality that a temporary solution would be implemented by July 3, no repairs have been made.
A reporter, stated that the blackouts have severely impacted elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions. “We are hearing that over two people have lost their lives, and the number could be as high as five,” he said.
Municipal Neglect and Rising Frustration
Residents accuse the municipality of ignoring their grievances, including unjustified electricity bills and delayed responses to infrastructure failures. A petition submitted to the council this week was allegedly excluded from the agenda, further fueling anger.
An activist highlighted the long-standing neglect, tracing electricity issues back to 2012. “The municipality is in breach of the Constitution,” he said, referencing Section 10 (right to life) and Section 27 (access to basic services). “We are now considering approaching the South African Human Rights Commission.”
Vulnerable Communities at Risk
The crisis has hit hardest in RDP housing areas, where residents cannot afford generators or alternative power sources. With no electricity for cooking or heating, many are struggling to survive.
Calls for Accountability
Community leaders demand immediate intervention from provincial authorities, accusing local officials of incompetence. “The MMC, mayor, and MEC must account for these deaths,” he said.
As investigations continue, affected families are urging authorities to act before more lives are lost.