adminMidlands Correspondent
A Gweru man was fatally struck by lightning while trying to pick his clothes from a washing line, police have confirmed. Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a house in Gweru’s Daylsford suburb.
The man has been identified as Alista Banda.
“Circumstances are that on Tuesday afternoon, the now deceased, Alista Banda and a colleague, Mr Lovemore Mapfumo were roofing a house in Daylsford suburb when it started raining.
“They sought cover in the house which they were roofing. Banda later realised that there were some of his clothes which were on a washing line,” said Insp Mahoko.
The police spokesperson said Banda was struck by lightning while trying to take his clothes.
“He died on the spot and the matter was reported to the police at Gweru Central Police Station. The body was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem ,” said Insp Mahoko.
He advised members of the public to remain indoors and avoid taking cover under trees during thunderstorms.
In an unrelated incident, a 22-year-old man from Zvishavane died when he was struck with a stone on the head by a fellow villager following a dispute at a funeral.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred on Saturday at Chinguwo Village under Chief Mapanzure.
He said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, Simplicio Huku in connection with the murder of Mr Everisto Machakwa.
“On the said date, the now deceased, Everisto Machakwa had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue with the suspect, Simplicio
Huku while at a funeral. After the funeral, Huku is said to have later waylaid Machakwa and struck him with a stone once on the head,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said Machakwa sustained a deep cut and was rushed to Zvishavane District Hospital where he died on admission.
Online Reporter