The metro has responded to questions from the GCN following the tragic death of Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard, who was a chief superintendent for the Germiston North precinct.<\/p>\n
Barnard died after being electrocuted at a substation on Tuesday.<\/p>
\u201cIt is reported that while on duty, Barnard received a call about suspicious-looking people attempting to open a substation in Stark Road in Estera and he responded,\u201d said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe found employees from a private contractor carrying out maintenance work on the substation.<\/p>
\u201cIt is alleged he spotted a hole in the door of the substation and as he pointed it out he was electrocuted.\u201d<\/p>\n
William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), confirmed that Barnard was declared dead on scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cElsburg SAPS are currently conducting an investigation,\u201d Gadebe said.<\/p>\n
Elsburg police have since opened an inquest docket.<\/p>\n
When asked if safety procedures were followed on site, Gadebe commented that this question forms part of the ongoing investigation.<\/p>\n
When asked if the metro will address the ongoing power issues in Germiston, as someone has now died, Gadebe said, \u201cOur Anti-Cable Theft Unit, community liaisons, Investigation and Loss Control Units, the SAPS, ward councillors, local CPFs, private security companies, the metro\u2019s energy department, community leaders and other law enforcement agencies are always on the ground, working around the clock in an attempt to try and curb cable theft and illegal electricity connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue to attend to power issues when summoned.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community members are once again encouraged to report electricity-related issues by calling 086 054 3000.<\/p>\n
Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n