adminHe said the two were struck by lightning between Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Inspector Dzirutwe said in the first case that occurred on Friday at around 4 pm, a 20-year-old woman, Gertrude Ndlovu, of Tjehanga area was walking from the grazing lands with a one-and-a-half-year toddler strapped to her back.
Ndlovu had gone to the grazing lands to look for the family livestock.
“Along the way it started raining and as a result the duo was struck by lightning. Gertrude Ndlovu died instantly while the infant sustained some serious burns all over the body.
“The matter was then reported to police and the woman’s body was taken to Plumtree District Hospital mortuary while the baby was also taken to the same hospital. Her condition is reported to be stable,” he said.
He said the post-mortem for Ndlovu’s body had since been waived by a Plumtree magistrate.
Inspector Dzirutwe added that on the following day at around 3.45 pm, an 18-year-old man was struck by lightning at Matawani Business Centre in Mayobodo area.
“Apparently the now deceased, Notice Moyo, had gone to buy a few items at the business centre. When he decided to go home it started raining and he tried to pass through one of the toilets and unfortunately he was struck by lightning.
“He died instantly and a report was then made to police. Moyo’s body has since been ferried to Plumtree District Hospital mortuary where a post-mortem was also waived since we do not suspect any foul play.
“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 so as to avoid some of these incidents.
“You will realise that human beings are electrical conductors and hence they are at risk of being struck by lightning during the storms.
“It is advisable that they seek refuge at the nearest homestead or shelter when there are thunderstorms or rains of this nature,” he said.
Online Reporter