Four struck dead
FIVE members of the same family, including an eightmonths pregnant woman, were struck by lightning on Wednesday night, leaving four dead.
The disaster has devastated the Mngomezulu family from the Mdefana community in Ingwavuma.
Neighbour, Zodwa Simelane said she ran to the Mngomezulu residence after receiving news from her son, that the home was on fire.
‘When I got there, I discovered that the house was covered by flames. I saw one of them struggling to get out of the door and I managed to pull her out,’ said Zodwa.
She also tried to save the other four people who were still trapped in the house, not knowing they were already dead.
‘With tears all over my face, I entered the room and managed to pull out Nelisiwe and Siceluxolo, but both were already dead,’she said.
She added that her efforts to reach the body of three-year-old, Asimbonge was in vain as the flames were too strong for her.
‘ I saw Asibonge’s tiny body burning on a mattress. It was too much to watch,’ said Zodwa.
A highly distraught David Mgomezulu said he had failed his family as a father.
‘I still hear their voices calling for my help. I can’t even sleep, because my heart is still bleeding and I lost everything,’ he said.
uMkhanyakude District Municipality spokesman, Mdu Dlamini said they were working with Jozini Local Municipality to provide assistance to the Mngomezulu family, including helping with funeral expenses.
‘We are going to put up a lightning conductor in that area to ensure that such an incident doesn’t occur in the future.
‘We are arranging a counselling session for the remaining family members.’
I still hear their voices calling for my help