adminMatabeleland South police spokes-man Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe confirmed the two deaths on Friday and Saturday last week. Inspector Dzirutwe said in the first case that occurred on Friday at around 4pm, a 20 year-old woman, Gertrude Ndlovu of Tejehanga area, was walking home from the grazing lands with her 18-month-old baby strapped on her back.
Along the way it started raining and the two were struck by lightning. Ndlovu died on the spot while the infant sustained some serious burns all over the body.
“The woman’s body was taken to Plumtree district hospital mortuary while the baby was also taken to the same hospital. Her condition is reportedly stable,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
In a similar incident the following day, an 18-year-old man was killed by lightning at Matawani Business Centre in Mayobhodo area.
Notice Moyo had gone to the business centre to buy some groceries when the incident occurred.
Insp Dzirutwe said Moyo on his way back home decided to pass through one of the toilets at the business centre when he was struck by lightning. “As police we want to urge people to always rely on advice we get from lightning experts that they should avoid being in open spaces to avoid some of these incidents,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
Online Reporter