By Tavonga Munyanyi
A young boy is nursing severe burns, and his family has been left without shelter, food, and clothing after the hut he was in was struck by lightning and burned to the ground in a freak storm that hit Shurugwi recently.
The incident happened in Muchachi 2 village, ward 2 in Shurugwi South on January 3 when the boy was trapped in the burning hut while family members tried to rescue him.
Henry Mawedzere, the boy’s grandfather, confirmed the incident to TellZim News and said lightning had brought sorrow to the family.
“The incident occurred at around 15:30 on January 3. I was sitting in the kitchen with my brothers when we heard thunder rumbling,” said Mawedzere.
“A spark of lightning ignited a thatched hut, enveloping it in flames, and 15-year-old grandson Dzidzisai Gwandibva was in the house. I ran towards that hut, calling him to get out, but he couldn’t hear me,” said Mawedzere.
He said they called for help from neighbors to put out the fire, but they could not come because they were confined to their homes by the heavy rains and lightning. They did, however, manage to rescue him, and he (Mawedzere) also got burned in the process.
“We later managed to rescue him, but he had sustained severe burns on both legs, hands, and the face. He is in the hospital receiving treatment. However, I also sustained some burns in the process.
“I started having cramps on my leg, and I’m struggling to walk. I cannot manage to access medical attention due to financial constraints, and all we have is directed towards getting food and clothing, but it’s not even enough,” he said.
He said the incident has left the family impoverished; food, kitchen utensils, clothes, and blankets were destroyed, and they are currently surviving on handouts.
Ward 2 Councillor Tafirenyika Nyama appealed for assistance on behalf of the family, saying the situation was dire, adding that the local MP Wilson Mhuri had chipped in and paid hospital bills for Dzidzisai.
Those who want to assist can get in touch with Mawedzere on 0784505391.
