The rainy season has just commenced in Zimbabwe but worryingly, several cases of fatal lightning strikes have already been recorded countrywide.
An 18-year-old man and his 16-year-old girlfriend were struck by a bolt of lightning on Friday afternoon while on their way from the river. The man died on the spot.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Mashonaland West Province, Inspector Margaret Chitove, told H-Metro the incident happened on 28 October at around 4.30 pm.
Inspector Chitove said the now deceased man went to Hunyani River, with his 17-year-old friend, and his 16-year-old girlfriend, and her friend, to wash some clothes. She said:
On their way back, it started raining and the two were struck by a bolt of lightning.
They were both thrown into a ditch and the boy died on the spot, and the girl complained of painful eyes.
Police officers from Chemagamba Police Station attended the scene and the girl was rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where she is recovering.
Insp Chitove implored members of the public to avoid the use of cellphones when outdoors in the rain. She said:
People must also avoid seeking shelter under trees and being in open spaces, as the chances of being struck by lightning are very high.
In its latest weather forecast issued at 4 PM on Tuesday, the Meteorological Services Department said “lightning strikes are a major risk during this period” and “when thunder roars it is best to be indoors.”
On Monday last week a 30-year-old Chimanimani man, Tichaona Mathew Ngoma, died instantly after he was struck by a lightning bolt at a faith healer’s shrine where he had gone to seek his spiritual assistance.