Two die when lightning strikes

Two people from Dombodema village outside Beit Bridge were killed by lightning in two separate events during the weekend.

Police spokesperson, Insp Philisani Ndebele said Iswelihle Gumbo (13) was killed while her mother, Singathini Gumbo (35) and uncle, Butho Ndlovu (30), survived the incident. He said the trio were working in their field in Dombodema at around 17:00 on Friday when lightning struck them before they could seek shelter.

“As it started to rain, Iswelihle was struck by lightning and she died instantly, while her mother and uncle were taken to hospital for treatment,” said Ndebele.

In another incident a 34-year-old woman from the same village was also killed by a bolt of lightning while tending her fields on the same day.

The councillor, Mr Toni Mlotshwa, said the woman, Ms Thembeni Nxumalo was found dead in the field by a relative on Friday afternoon. “She was alone tending her fields when the incident occurred,” Mlotshwa said.

News - Date: 31 January 2014

Mashudu Netsianda

Mashudu Netsianda is our correspondent in Beit Bridge, Zimbabwe. He joined us in 2006, writing both local and international stories. He had worked for several Zimbabwean publications, as well as the Times of Swaziland. Mashudu received his training at the School of Mass Communication in Harare.

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