MASVINGO — Lightning has struck for the third time here in Tavengahama village, Chief Nhema, killing two imbibers at a traditional beer brew on Sunday, bringing the province’s lightning death toll to 13 since the beginning of this year.
By Tatenda Chitagu
In February, 11 people died in two separate incidents after being struck by lightning.
Seven family members from Chief Mazungunye area, Bikita, were left charred after their grass-thatched houses went up in smoke during a thunderstorm.
Two weeks later, four others from Mukaka village under Chief Maranda in Mwenezi died on the spot after being struck by a bolt of lightning as they sought shelter under a tree.
In the latest incident, Witness Matizha (23) and Joseph Makava (63) from Chidoko village, Chief Nhema in Zaka had gone for a traditional beer drink at their neighbour’s homestead.
While drinking with other patrons, sources said, it suddenly started raining and other drinkers sought shelter in a grass-thatched house while the now deceased remained outside. Sources said a thunderbolt struck killing the two instantly. Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna was unreachable for comment. Fellow villagers said the incident signalled a bad omen.
