Tragedy struck on Wednesday when a Mutoko High School Advanced level female student was struck by a lightning bolt while she was on her way home after sitting for her Zimbabwe School Examinations Council examinations.
Constance Machemedze (20) was at Chinzanga Primary School sports ground when a thunderstorm reportedly began and she was struck while running and she died on the spot. The incident occurred around 1.20 pm.
Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and said the deceased had burns on her right side of the body.
“The public must always take precautionary measures as stated by the Metrological Services Department to avoid such disasters from happening,” he said.
The Met department has warned that there will be a lot of thunderstorm activity across Zimbabwe this rainy season coupled together with floods.
Last week lightning struck and killed 1000 ready-for-market broilers in Bulawayo. Another bolt also wiped a heard of cattle belonging to a Gokwe family.
Public exams started last week and Approximately 1,2 million students are expected to sit for this year’s Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) exams.