The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
FIVE people died — four of them on the spot — after being struck by a bolt of lightning at Clearwater Tea Estate, Chipinge, last Thursday. This brings 18 the number of people who died from lightning strikes in Manicaland since the onset of the rain season. Chipinge district civil protection unit (CPU) chairperson Mr William Mashava confirmed the deaths.
The incident occurred at Watershed Farm owned by Lucky Chitima, around 12 noon, last Thursday.
Mr Mashava said the five were struck by lightning after they had sought refuge from a violent storm under a shed.
“Yes, I can confirm that Margret Naudhe (45), Chipo Gwete (32), Agnes Sibiza Bemhere (30), Ropafadzo Mapfume (15 months) and Pressmore Mapfunde (5), all of Watershed Farm, owned by Mr Lucky Chitima, were struck by lightning around 12 noon.
“The five were weeding a maize field when it started raining. Everyone, except Nyarai Isulu, ran to a nearby shed for a shelter.
‘‘Isulu was left behind to collect farming implements from the field. A bolt of lightning suddenly struck and burnt the shed and those who had sought shelter under it.
“Soon after the rains, Nyarai Isulu rushed to farm compound to inform others and they discovered that Margret, Chipo, Agnes and Pressmore had already died.
Ropafadzo was rushed to hospital but died upon admission at Chipinge District Hospital,” he said.
Mr Mashava said the district CPU assisted with a 50kg bag of rice to each bereaved family while well-wishers from the district also assisted with foodstuff and coffins.
Meanwhile, ethanol producing concern Green Fuel lost 78ha of sugar cane at their Rating Estate in Middle Sabi, Chipinge to fire that was caused by lightning on the same day.
Two blocks, Block 14 and 4, at Rating Estate were struck by lightning on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
The 78 hectares of sugar cane is reported to have been destroyed as the lightning sparked a fire.
Member of Chipinge CPU Mr Zaine Dube, who is also the district information officer, urged people to avoid going out doors and not seek shelter or refuge under isolated or cluster of trees.
