Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
TWO people, a 19-year-old woman and a four-year-old child, died after being struck by lightning in Huwana area, Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, on Wednesday afternoon.
Two other people survived the incident, which occurred at around 1.30pm as the group was leaving Headman Macebo’s homestead in Ward Eight.
The local councillor, Mr Mqondisi Zikhali, confirmed the incident, saying the community had been left in shock.
He said the lightning strike occurred despite minimal rainfall activity in the area.
“The incident happened as they left Headman Macebo’s homestead. The lightning bolt killed two people on the spot, while a two-year-old child who was on her mother’s back survived.
“Another four-year-old was rushed to hospital after surviving the strike,” he said.
The deceased woman, who was from Tsholotsho, was reportedly working at one of the homesteads near the headman’s home.
She had strapped her child to her back when the incident occurred. The child survived the lightning strike.
Mr Zikhali said the tragedy had shocked residents, particularly as there had been little rainfall in the area.
Bulilima District Development Coordinator Mr Onesimo Zogora, who chairs the local Civil Protection Committee, also confirmed receiving reports of the incident but said he was yet to obtain full details of what had transpired.
The incident comes amid high temperatures in parts of the country, with some areas experiencing light rainfall.
