The Sunday News
Uzile Mkwanazi, Sunday News Reporter
TWO children from Gwamba area in Lupane District in Matabeleland North Province were burnt to death on Wednesday last week when a hut they were in was struck by a bolt of lightning.
The two children, Bongiwe Tshuma (14) and Sarah Sibanda (12) had just arrived home from school and were changing their uniforms when the hut was struck by lightning.
Speaking to Sunday News on behalf of the family, a neighbour and close family friend, Miss Fidelia Moyo confirmed the unfortunate incident.
She said it was sad that two young lives were lost to what seemed as a normal rainy day that was not alarming at all.
“The two children had just arrived from school and they headed to the hut to remove their uniforms.
“While in the hut, a loud thunder was heard followed by a bolt of lightning which struck the hut and started the fire. Efforts by community members to try and douse the fire were futile,” said Miss Moyo.
The parents and guardians of the two children were not at home at the time.
They were attending a function at the children’s school.
On arrival at their home, the fire had already started and it was a bit too late for anything to be salvaged. Those who had tried to put out the fire had failed.
Miss Moyo said the incident had left the family distraught as they were still trying to come to terms with what had befallen them.
She said funeral arrangements have not been made as the family was still processing logistical issues.
Miss Moyo hinted that one of the children who died belonged to their daughter-in-law and was not from the Sibanda clan.
She said other family members were still to arrive and it was after they congregate that funeral arrangements could be mapped out.
“We are in shock and in pain as a community. Something of this sort has never happened in our area especially with children of such tender ages who had their whole future ahead of them,” said Miss Moyo.
“This is a rare and frightening occurrence that will take some time for people to fully comprehend. I am speaking on behalf of the family as they are still grieving.
“We are here as a community trying to comfort them as this can happen to anyone of us at any time,” said Miss Moyo.
The family is said to have lost all their belongings in the fire.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Inspector Glory Banda, however, said they were yet to receive a report on the incident.
