In a devastating incident on Wednesday, two workers lost their lives after being struck by lightning while laboring on a farm in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
Approximately 50 individuals were impacted by the lightning strike, receiving immediate medical attention at the scene. Of those affected, four were subsequently transported to the hospital and are currently in the process of recovery, according to a statement from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
Sboniso Mngadi, the provincial media liaison, noted that disaster teams are closely monitoring the situation.
Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, the Cogta member of the executive council (MEC) in KZN, expressed sorrow over the recurring loss of lives due to such disasters in the province, despite ongoing efforts to mitigate risks.
“Our disaster teams are actively collaborating with the affected families to provide any necessary assistance,” Sithole-Moloi stated. She added that coordination with other departments has been initiated to offer essential support, including psychological counseling for the survivors and their families.
This unfortunate incident follows heavy rains during the festive season in the province, resulting in the loss of 31 lives, with three people still unaccounted for. A particularly heart-wrenching incident involved the Msimango family, as seven members were laid to rest this week. The family tragically lost their lives when their car was swept away by floods on Christmas Eve. Vincent Msimango, his wife Qondisile Msimango, and their three children—Emihle Msimango, Aphelele Msimango, and Mabande Msimango—lost their lives in the incident. Additionally, Msimango’s brother Sandile Msimango and another relative, Kwanele Khanyeza, were also laid to rest in the wake of the devastating floods.