ZESA says engaging family of boy who lost limbs in electrocution, 15 years later
Power utility ZESA Holdings has said it is engaging the family of Norest Murewa, popularly known as Leehwaz, following a public outcry over his case.
Murewa, now 23, suffered life-changing injuries when he was electrocuted by live cables left on the ground after electricity poles were accidentally burnt down. He was eight years old at the time and was playing in the fields when the incident happened.
He now lives without both arms and one leg.
His plight came to wider attention after social media personality Royal Mint published an open letter to ZESA on 12 October, saying he had received no compensation or meaningful assistance in the 15 years since the accident.
“I write with a humble but heartfelt plea on behalf of a young man whose life was tragically changed forever at just eight years old,” she wrote.
“While playing in the fields, he was electrocuted by live electricity cables left on the ground after the electricity poles had accidentally been burnt down.
“Today, at 23, he is living without both arms and one leg, facing unimaginable daily struggles through no fault of his own. It is deeply painful that, after all these years, he has received no compensation or meaningful assistance.
“We appeal to ZETDC to reconsider his situation with compassion and humanity. No amount of money can restore what he lost, but compensation and support could help him live with dignity and ease some of the burdens he faces every day.”
The letter triggered an overwhelming response online, with thousands of people urging ZESA and its distribution arm, ZETDC, to act.
In a statement on Tuesday, 20 October, ZESA said it was aware of the public concern and was handling the matter through its insurers.
“ZESA (Pvt) Ltd is aware of the public concern and social media appeals about Mr Norest Murewa, popularly known as Leehwaz,” the statement said.
“We recognise the life-changing injuries he sustained, and the courage with which he continues to face the challenges they bring every day.
“We wish to assure the public that this matter is receiving attention. Norest and his family, through their legal representatives, are engaging with our insurers through the established processes. We acknowledge that this process can take longer than any of us would wish.
“To keep the family informed, ZESA representatives have met Norest and his family to explain how the process works and the steps involved.”
The company said it remained committed to open engagement with the family to reach a fair conclusion as promptly as possible, but would not comment publicly on the details out of respect for Murewa’s privacy and the integrity of the process.
“We sincerely thank the public for their compassion and patience as we work together towards an outcome that gives Norest the dignity and support he deserves,” it said.https://chat.whatsapp.com/GnrVEblZJRc6B2IB0iBL2T?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4
Power utility ZESA Holdings has said it is engaging the family of Norest Murewa, popularly known as Leehwaz, following a public outcry over his case.
Murewa, now 23, suffered life-changing injuries when he was electrocuted by live cables left on the ground after electricity poles were accidentally burnt down. He was eight years old at the time and was playing in the fields when the incident happened.
He now lives without both arms and one leg.
His plight came to wider attention after social media personality Royal Mint published an open letter to ZESA on 12 October, saying he had received no compensation or meaningful assistance in the 15 years since the accident.
“I write with a humble but heartfelt plea on behalf of a young man whose life was tragically changed forever at just eight years old,” she wrote.
“While playing in the fields, he was electrocuted by live electricity cables left on the ground after the electricity poles had accidentally been burnt down.
“Today, at 23, he is living without both arms and one leg, facing unimaginable daily struggles through no fault of his own. It is deeply painful that, after all these years, he has received no compensation or meaningful assistance.
“We appeal to ZETDC to reconsider his situation with compassion and humanity. No amount of money can restore what he lost, but compensation and support could help him live with dignity and ease some of the burdens he faces every day.”
The letter triggered an overwhelming response online, with thousands of people urging ZESA and its distribution arm, ZETDC, to act.
In a statement on Tuesday, 20 October, ZESA said it was aware of the public concern and was handling the matter through its insurers.
“ZESA (Pvt) Ltd is aware of the public concern and social media appeals about Mr Norest Murewa, popularly known as Leehwaz,” the statement said.
“We recognise the life-changing injuries he sustained, and the courage with which he continues to face the challenges they bring every day.
“We wish to assure the public that this matter is receiving attention. Norest and his family, through their legal representatives, are engaging with our insurers through the established processes. We acknowledge that this process can take longer than any of us would wish.
“To keep the family informed, ZESA representatives have met Norest and his family to explain how the process works and the steps involved.”
The company said it remained committed to open engagement with the family to reach a fair conclusion as promptly as possible, but would not comment publicly on the details out of respect for Murewa’s privacy and the integrity of the process.
“We sincerely thank the public for their compassion and patience as we work together towards an outcome that gives Norest the dignity and support he deserves,” it said.
