Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A 103-YEAR-OLD grandmother, Mrs Loice Madzirerusa of Batsira Village, Marange was recently struck and killed by a lightning bolt.
The centenarian was handling kitchen utensils in her kitchen hut when she was struck and killed by lightning.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, adding that Mrs Madzirerusa’s body was rescued from the burning house by her relatives, preventing it from being severely charred.
“On January 2, 2025, the deceased was weeding in her yard when a rainstorm began. She sought shelter in her kitchen hut, and started arranging kitchen utensils, including metal cups and plates that were scattered around the room. Tragically, a lightning bolt struck the hut’s roof, causing a fire. Mrs Winnie Ndoro (70), discovered the blaze and noticed that the deceased had fallen down.
“Mrs Ndoro and Ms Lynette Jera dragged the deceased to the main house. Ms Jera alerted other villagers, but upon gathering, they found that Mrs Madzirerusa had passed away. Mrs Ndoro informed the police by phone, and police officers attended the scene. The body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to prioritise their safety during this rainy season.
Rainstorms can produce lightning, which can be deadly as well as cause sudden and unexpected flooding, sweeping away people and vehicles.
“People are encouraged to erect lightning conductors, avoid being in contact with metal objects, not to be in open spaces when it is raining. We are urging members of the public to follow and adhere to these and other precautionary and safety measures as advised by experts,” he said.
