Zimpapers Logo

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent

A 21-YEAR-OLD Gwanda woman and her two-year-old baby boy died after they were struck by lightning while on their way home from the shops.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday at around 12noon near Red Cross Business Centre in Spitzkop medium-density suburb.

He said the now-deceased, Nomsa Sibanda, who was carrying her baby on her back was on her way from Red Cross Business Centre with a friend Ms Zandile Sithole (23) who was also carrying her two-year-old baby boy when the tragedy struck.

“I can confirm that we recorded a sudden death case of lightning which occurred in Spitzkop medium suburb on Tuesday. Nomsa Sibanda was coming from Red Cross Business Centre with her two-year-old child Tawananyasha Musaigwa on her back in the company of Ms Zandile Sithole who was also carrying her baby on her back,” he said.

“It started raining as they neared their home and they tried to hurry in order to seek shelter at a nearby house. Sibanda and her son were struck by lightning and they died on the spot. Sibanda sustained burns on her back while her son sustained burns on his stomach. Their companions Ms Sithole and her son escaped unharmed. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and the bodies were conveyed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital.”

Chief Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to be careful during the rainy season in order to avoid situations that could endanger their lives. 

He said people have to ensure they immediately seek shelter in safe places when it starts raining and avoid standing underneath trees when it is raining.

Chief Insp Ndebele said people also had to desist from crossing flooded rivers. —@DubeMatutu