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Freedom Mupanedemo,Midlands Bureau
One person was killed, while several homes were gutted by fire, and 20 cattle died when lightning struck a village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe South at about 6pm on Tuesday evening.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko yesterday said he was still to get details of the fatal strike.
Chief Njelele confirmed the incident, saying everyone was shocked by the extraordinary happening.
“It was hot and there were some dark clouds that had gathered, and the next thing we heard that a lightning strike had killed a villager and 20 beasts,” said Chief Njelele.
One of the affected villagers, Mr Timothy Mlambo, said he was inside his kitchen when it suddenly caught fire.
“There was a huge roar of thunder and the next thing I realised that my hut was on fire,” he said.
“When I dashed out, I discovered that three or four houses belonging to my neighbours were also on fire, but it was not even raining.”
Mr Mlambo said they were later to learn that the lightning had just claimed a life and 20 head of cattle.
“A woman who was coming from fetching water was killed by the same bolt of lightning.
“We lost 20 cattle in the village, including my own five beasts, all of which were already in their pens.”
Mr Mlambo said they reported the matter to Chief Njelele.
According to scientists, lightning can occur when there is no rain and that a large charged field can be created,especially on dry ground, that will kill people and animals within a particular radius.
Online Reporter