Trucker electrocuted to death in Zimbabwe. Photo supplied
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the identity of the truck driver who was electrocuted to death after the excavator he was transporting hit overhead power lines.
38-year-old Funny Kunze, a Zimbabwean national based in South Africa, died when he drove his truck under 11 kV power lines at Thomson Farm in Beatrice, on Tuesday 9 August.
ZRP spokesperson in Mashonaland East Province Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident to SA Trucker.
He said at around 14h00, Kunze was driving a white Freightliner Argosy truck, registration number HH45BSBP and a lowbed trailer carrying an excavator from South Africa to Thomson Farm in Beatrice.
He was in the company of two passengers, Brain Nyakabwi (34) and Lillian Veremu (36).
Kunze was reportedly warned against passing under a Zimbabwe Electricity, Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) 11 kV line to get to the farm.
As he attempted to pass, the excavator got tangled on one of the lines, and he stopped.
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All the three got out of the vehicle safely through the driver’s door.
However, Kunze realised that the vehicle’s engine was still running and returned to the truck to switch it off.
When he touched the door of truck, he was electrocuted causing his body to immediately catch fire. He suffered serious burns and died on the scene.
