Death by electrocution: A retrospective analysis of three medico-legal mortuaries in the eThekwini district of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa from 2006 to 2016

Abstract

Background and aim

Electrocution is a well-documented preventative cause of unnatural death globally. The demographic profile and trends of fatal electrocutions in the eThekwini district, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa were analyzed and aimed to identify regional factors for targeted prevention.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study analyzed all fatal electrocutions autopsied at three medico-legal mortuaries in eThekwini from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2016. Clinical, postmortem and police findings were collated, categorized and statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 512 electrocution fatalities were identified at autopsy during the 11 year study period (1,35 fatal electrocutions/ 100 000 population). Cases escalated until 2013 and then gradually decreased, with significant difference between the number of cases per study year (p < 0.001). Most deaths occurred in domestic environments, amongst males (3rd to 4th decade), in summer, during weekends and around midday. The under 10 years were the most vulnerable age group overall (28,71 % of all cases), notably those under 3-years old. Most female victims were under 10 years old (43.81 %). The highest percentage of cases occurred outside the metro. Illegal connections accounted for almost 50 % of cases identified by source.

Conclusion

The eThekwini district in KwaZulu Natal documented the most electrocutions for any study undertaken in South Africa to date. Regional trends in child electrocutions, particularly females under 10 years and fatalities attributed to illegal connections are crucial considerations for directed prevention.