The police in the Mopani area have opened two inquest dockets following the death of two men who died in two separate incidents over the past weekend. The first incident took place at Mashavele village near Giyani on Sunday morning at about 07:00.

Capt Maano Sadiki, the police spokesperson in the area, said that the deceased, Patrick Mashaba (30), left his home on the day of the incident. He told his wife that he was driving his cattle to the nearby grazing field and that he would come back home before long. Realizing that it was about to rain, the deceased quickly returned before he reached his intended destination. On arrival at home, he went into his thatched-roof hut as it was raining at that stage. According to the police statement, the hut in which he was, was struck by lightning.

The deceased’s body was burnt beyond recognition during the incident. The police are investigating the matter.

The other incident took place at Thomo settlement outside Giyani on Sunday morning. According to the police statement, the deceased, Soyapi Patrick Maluleke (38) left his home the previous day.

The statement indicates that he did not tell anyone about his trip. Realizing that he had not returned home later in the evening, the family members, together with some concerned community members, decided to embark on a manhunt.

They searched for him throughout the night but to no avail. His body was found hanging under a tree in the nearby bushes the following morning. Although the police are not suspecting any foul play, they are investigating the matter. They appealed to anyone with information regarding the two incidents to contact them at any police station.