Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
Four people were struck and killed by lightning at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe Township last Thursday while operating a hammer mill.
The victims were identified as Obey Chimusoro (26), Kuda Mwateni (30), Liberty Jowina (34) and Stella Nyagana.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deaths, saying the victims were operating the hammer mill when lightning struck.
“They were operating a hammer mill when a group of people came with their gold ore for milling. While they were milling that is when a bolt of lightning struck them,” said Comm Nyathi.
The deaths came days after the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across the country.
In an advisory issued last Sunday, the MSD forecast the weather system from Tuesday, September 29 to Thursday, October 1, warning of lightning strikes, flash floods and strong winds.
On Monday evening, a severe hailstorm struck parts of Masvingo Province, causing extensive damage to residential areas, public utilities, schools, health institutions and businesses.
President Mnangagwa subsequently declared a State of Disaster in the affected areas.
