Lightning kills 4 in Masvingo

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
FOUR people from Mwenezi died on the spot while two others sustained minor injuries when a bolt of lightning struck them while seeking refuge from the rains under a tree, police said yesterday.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred on Sunday at around 12PM while the villagers were busy weeding a fellow villager’s field.

“I can confirm receiving a report of lightning that killed four people in Mwenezi while weeding a field. The four died on the spot while two others sustained injuries,” he said.

The deceased have been identified as Thangson Chimiti, 29, Batanai Moyo, 32, Richard Chandavengerwa, 33 and Shaiwai Makuvashuro, 22, all of Mukaka Village under Chief Maranda.

Chief Supt Nyathi said the bodies of the deceased were taken to their village for burial after post-mortem was waived.

The injured were rushed to Neshuro Mission Hospital where their condition is said to be stable.

Chief Supt Nyathi said on the fateful day, Chimiti, Moyo, Chandavengerwa, brothers Shaiwai and Ranganai Makuvashuro and Phineas Shoko, 36, were working in Shoko’s field.

He said it suddenly started raining and the six sought refuge under a tree near the field.

“While taking cover under the tree, a bolt of lightning suddenly struck all six men, killing Chimiti, Chandavengerwa, Shaiwai and Moyo on the spot while Ranganai and Shoko sustained minor injuries,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

This incident comes in the wake of yet another lightning incident which claimed seven lives — six children and one adult, in Mugwinyi’s Chief Mazungunye area, Bikita, early this month.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt Nyathi has warned members of the public to avoid seeking shelter under trees when it is raining.

“We are appealing to members of the public to be always cautious during rainy periods. They have to make sure that they seek shelter where their safety is guaranteed,” he said.