By Ndinatsei Mavodza
CHIREDZI- A 25-year-old woman from Rushangarumwe village in Buffalo Range, Chenai Mahusani, died after lightning struck a thatched hut she was sleeping in, setting it ablaze.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the incident which occurred on October 27, 2025.
Circumstances are that around 8 PM, that night Mahusani together with eight other family members went in the thatched hut to sleep.
It began to rain and the hut they were sleeping in was struck by lightning, burning it down.
Mahusani’s father and other villagers rushed to the scene in a rescue effort, attempting to put out the flames and save those inside.
They were able to rescue the eight family members alive but Mahusani had already died.
Her body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rural homes and schools to lightning strikes, especially with the arrival of the rainy season.
Recently, a violent storm destroyed several schools in Masvingo Province, leaving learners, teachers and villagers vulnerable, further highlighting the broader weather related threats faced by rural communities.
While public awareness on lightning and the dangers it poses remains important, there is need for practical implementation and this may include considering lightning protection systems that are affordable for rural communities.
