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Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said the incidents happened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

He identified the deceased as Immaculate Mvalume(40) of Chipimbi Village 9, Mkwasine, Chiredzi, Angeline Chidodo (20) of Mafadza Village under Chief Chivi, and Theresa Sithole(17) and            Jairos Tavigei (1) of Southdale Village in Chatsworth, Gutu,.

“In the first incident Mr Shepherd Mvalume (45) was sitting under a mopani tree at his homestead in the company of Mrs Immaculate Mvalume, his wife and daughter Sarah Mvalume (18),” said Insp Zhanero.

He said a bolt of lightning struck the tree, killing Mrs Mvalume on the spot.

Mr Mvalume and his daughter sustained burns.

He said the second incident happened on the same day in Chivi when Chidodo and her daughter Naleda Macheka were coming from a river where they were fetching some water.

A bolt of lightning struck Chidodo and she died on the spot.

In the third incident which happened on Sunday, the young mother, Theresa Sithole was doing laundry in a river when it began to rain.

She together with her son sought shelter in a nearby field where they were struck by                    lightning.

“The owner of the field received a report to the effect that his shelter had been struck by lightning and he went to investigate. Upon arrival, he saw the two lying lifeless inside,” Insp Zhanero said.