Lightning kills 3 in Chipinge

A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Chikwari village, under Chief Musikavanhu, where three family members died after being struck by a lightning bolt at their homestead.

Chipinge district police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Memory Chirambadare confirmed the incident which has left villagers shell-shocked.

“Yes, I can confirm that on December 5, 2018 Violet Sithole was at her home together with her son Tawanda, two daughters Rumbidzai (14) and Tonderai Mashame(10) as well as their domestic worker Tobias Chidoro.

“At around 5pm it started raining, and a lightning bolt struck a tree which is within the family yard and a guinea fowl died. The family members went outside to investigate what had happened and while still outside, the lightning recurred and struck Violet, Tawanda and Chadoro.

“Canius Mashame, who is the owner of the homestead, organised transport to ferry the victims to St Peter’s Hospital at Checheche growth point.

“Upon arrival Violet, Tawanda and Chidoro were pronounced dead while Rumbidzai regained her consciousness and was treated and discharged,” she said.

Mr Mashame was at loss of words when asked about the tragedy by The Manica Post.

“I received a text message from my son while I was visiting my friends in the village to the effect that a bolt of lightning had struck a big tree at my homestead and a guinea fowl was killed.

“After reading the text message, I made a phone call back with the intention to verify if everyone was okay. I talked to my son and wife, who both told me that they were all safe,” he said.

“I did not know that that conversation was going to be the last I would have with the two,” said while sobbing.

“In a space of 15 minutes after talking to them, I was advised that another lightning had struck them while they were outside.

“I then called a village elder that I know as an expert when it comes to lightning and requested that he rushes to my home and assist. Upon arrival he discovered that the damage had already been done. It was too late to offer his assistance and we ferried them to St Peter’s Hospital where they were declared dead upon arrival.

“The thought that my family died this way is agonising. It’s unbelievable and a bitter pill to swallow,” said Mr Mashame.