Three killed as lightning strikes church tent during night service in Limpopo
Three church congregants were killed during a lightning strike during a prayer service on Sunday in Limpopo.
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Churches and other places of worships have been urged to be mindful of adverse weather conditions over the festive season after three people were killed and five others injured when lightning struck a church tent during a night prayer service in Radimana village, Limpopo, on Sunday morning.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred at about 1am on December 14 while a church congregation was holding an overnight service inside a tent erected in an open field in the Senwabarwana policing area, . Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported at the time.
Police said congregants were singing when lightning struck inside the tent. A number of churches will be holding prayer services during the festive season.
Eight people, aged between 12 and 56, sustained injuries in the incident. They were transported to a nearby health care centre for medical assistance. Three of the injured, one man and two women were declared dead on arrival.
The deceased were later identified by their families as Ribson Mothemane, 46, Mosibudi Mokgobu, 44, and Glenda Modjadji Ntjana, 36, all residents of Sefihlampyana village.
The remaining five injured congregants were transferred to a local hospital, where they are receiving further medical treatment.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed shock and sadness at the incident.
Inquest dockets have been opened in connection with the deaths.
Hadebe also urged communities to exercise caution during severe weather conditions amid the summer months.
“I encourage members of the community to take precautionary measures, especially during this rainy season,” she said.