Bulawayo High Court orders ZESA to pay $66,000

Low-hanging power lines just cost ZESA Holdings over US$66 000 after two children were left with brutal burn injuries.

High Court ruling against ZESA

• Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority got hit with compensation orders.
• Bulawayo High Court judges Evangelista Kabasa and Justice Dube ruled for the minors.
• Victims are from Mangwe in Matabeleland South Province.
• The court blamed gross negligence by ZESA employees.

Case of the 11-year-old

• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights represented the child through Prisca Dube.
• Summons was filed on 14 August 2024 against the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
• Justice Dube directed payment of US$50 000 within two months.
• ZETDC had argued the damages claim was excessive.

Case of the 14-year-old

• Electrical burns sent the teen to St Anne’s Hospital in Brunapeg.
• United Bulawayo Hospitals later performed surgery on his right arm.
• Injuries left him with a 32 percent cumulative disability.
• Justice Kabasa ordered US$16 000 paid within 60 days.

Insurance limit and settlement

• Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company first rejected liability.
• Utility later tabled a US$16 000 settlement offer.
• Parents accepted the amount capped by insurance coverage.
• Payment must be made under the January 2026 order.