A Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) employee has died after being electrocuted by exposed live cables while investigating a transformer theft in Kadoma’s West View suburb.

Nicodemus Macharaga, a 47-year-old member of the utility’s loss control section, succumbed to his injuries at Kadoma General Hospital on Friday.

The incident occurred while he and his team were on site to assess the damage caused by the recent theft of a transformer, which had left dangerous live power lines exposed.

He was laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home in Gokwe-Nembudziya.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the local community, where Macharaga was a well-known and respected figure.

Confirming the devastating news was his long-time friend, Emmanuel Bhero, who recounted receiving the fateful call.

According to Bhero, the information came directly from a workmate who witnessed the tragic event.

“I got a call from one of his workmates who was at the scene,” Bhero explained, his voice heavy with emotion.

He detailed his painful task of informing Macharaga’s wife, who was on duty at her own workplace at the time.

“I went to inform his wife who was on duty at her workplace. After receiving the message, the wife could not stomach it,” Bhero said, describing the immediate and profound shock of the widow.

Reflecting on his personal loss, Bhero added, “For the record, Nico was my long-time friend with whom I had good relations. For me, I take it as an incident that we must all accept. I am at a loss of words over this.”

The family is now left to mourn a husband, father, and relative.

A family representative, Clement Marongwe, acknowledged the support the bereaved family has received from Macharaga’s employers in the wake of the accident.

Marongwe stated that ZETDC has been very helpful during this difficult period, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of the assistance provided.

Beyond his professional duties, Macharaga was a passionate and pivotal figure in Kadoma’s amateur football scene.

He served as the team manager for High Voltage FC, a club competing in the Kadoma Area Zone League.

His colleagues in the sport remember him not just as a manager, but as a talent scout who dedicated himself to identifying and nurturing young players.

Teddy ‘Dibango’ Phiri, a member of the High Voltage FC family, was among those struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

He paid tribute to the man who was the heart of their team.

“I’m in pain over the loss of my team manager,” Phiri said, his grief palpable.

“He was a loving person. We leave all to the power of God.”

Macharaga leaves a void in the local sporting community, remembered for his sharp eye for talent and his dedication to developing players, many of whom have progressed in their football careers thanks to his early guidance.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from ZETDC regarding the circumstances of the accident and any safety protocols that were in place were unsuccessful, as the power utility did not respond to inquiries on the matter by the time of publication.