MASVINGO — Four people from Mukaka village under Chief Maranda in Mwenezi died on the spot on Sunday after being struck by a bolt of lightning as they sought shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm.
By Tatenda Chitagu
The incident comes exactly two weeks after seven other people in Chief Mazungunye’s area, Bikita, were killed by lightning which struck their grass-thatched huts on February 2.
Masvingo acting provincial police spokesman Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa referred all questions to national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi, who said he was yet to get the details of the incident.
Sources in Mwenezi said a bolt of lightning struck at around noon and killed Shaiwai Mukuvashuro (29), Thangson Chimiti (29), Batanai Moyo (32) and Richard Chandavengerwa (33) after they had sought refuge under a tree.
Two other people who were under the same tree were injured and are currently recuperating at Neshuro Hospital.
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A herdsman, Aleck Ngwenya (25), was the first to arrive at the scene and alerted village head Chibwe Ndhlovu who reported the matter to the police.
Villagers said the deceased had since been buried after Masvingo magistrate Honest Musiiwa waived the post-mortem requirement.