By Crime and Courts,-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of three people who were killed by a lightning strike in Mberengwa last week.

The fatal incident occurred at Chimurenga Mine in Vanguard, Mberengwa, last Wednesday around 4 PM. 

Three miners lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries after lightning struck a wooden cabin where they had sought shelter from the rain.

ZRP Midlands Province spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the tragedy, urging the public to take precautions during thunderstorms.

“Police are appealing to the public to avoid the use of cellphones, landlines, or any other electronic gadgets that may attract lightning during rains,” he said.

The deceased were identified as Simbarashe Chimombe (23), Clemence Mucheri (36) from Buhera, and Pardon Ncube (23) from Zvishavane. 

The five injured miners were taken to Mberengwa District Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

Zimbabwe has experienced numerous fatalities due to lightning strikes, particularly during the rainy season.

Rural communities are often the most affected due to a lack of lightning protection infrastructure.

In 2023, multiple lightning-related deaths were recorded across the country. 

In January, three members of the same family in Muzarabani were killed after lightning struck their home. 

Similarly, in December 2022, four schoolchildren in Bikita perished after being struck while playing outside during a storm.

Experts attribute the high number of lightning deaths to climate change, deforestation, and poor infrastructure. 

Many homes, particularly in rural areas, lack lightning conductors, making them vulnerable to direct strikes.

In addition, people working in open spaces, such as farmers and miners, face a heightened risk.

Authorities continue to urge the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding open fields, metal objects, and electronic devices during thunderstorms.

Installing lightning rods and seeking safer structures during storms could significantly reduce fatalities.