Priviledge Muchadenyika
Two people, a minor and an adult were struck by lightning on two separate incidents in Masvingo on Sunday November 21.
The minor Kudakwashe Mataruza (15) from Mabondo village under Chief Charumbira was struck while on his way home from fetching wood, on November 21, 2021.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed both the incidents and urged people to stay indoors when it is raining.
“We received reports of people who were killed by lightning in Masvingo. We urge people are to stay indoors when raining,” said Dhehwa.
Sources close to the incident said Mataruza was walking from the woods where they had been fetching firewood with a neighbor Tavonga Muchengesi (33) when it started raining. The two agreed to leave the wheelbarrow and rush home.
“When they arrived home, Mataruza decided to return alone to get the wheelbarrow, when he was pushing the wheelbarrow the rains got heavy and he was struck and got stuck on it,” said the source
It is further ‘alleged that a passerby only identified as Mai Bhevhu discovered that he was stuck to the wheelbarrow and having difficulties in breathing.
She notified other villagers who hired a taxi and rushed him to Masvingo Provincial hospital but he died along the way.
On the second incident, Tichaona Manyonga (35), who resides in Mucheke A was also struck by lightning on the same day around 0545hrs at Chitima market.
Manyonga was coming from the public toilets when he was struck and he also had difficulties in breathing.
His wife Tichaona Sizi who (34) immediately took him to provincial hospital where he passed on upon admission and was taken to the hospital mortuary for postmortem
Manyonga has since been laid to rest at his rural home near Gokomere.
