Ulundi man killed by lightning strike
Msawenkosi Sizwe Zulu was just 20-years-old and was reportedly returning home from a traditional song and dance festival when the storm hit
THE Zulu family of Ulundi is mourning the loss of a son who was tragically struck by lightning and killed on Christmas Day.
Msawenkosi Sizwe Zulu was just 20-years-old and was reportedly returning home from a traditional song and dance festival when the storm hit.
He was a matriculant at Mhloluthini High School.
The KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Sipho Hlomuka, sent condolences to the Zulu family as well as to a family in Umsinga who lost a loved one from a lightning strike on Thursday.
‘We are really saddened by this tragic loss of life that has taken place as a result of bad weather conditions,’ said Hlomuka.
‘Our teams are working with the local authorities to provide the necessary support to the affected families.’
The department responded to a number of incidents across the province, including in Ndwedwe where 30 houses were damaged by strong winds, and in Msinga where more than 54 houses were damaged in a severe thunderstorm.
Hlomuka said the incidents experienced have been ‘heartbreaking’ and the department is working hard to ensure those affected, receive help as soon as possible.
‘We are also working with our sister departments in the province, which include Human Settlements and Social Development, to ensure sustainable long-term assistance is provided to affected families who now have to rebuild their lives.’
Hlomuka urged members of the public to keep updated with weather reports and forecasts, and to exercise extreme caution during bad weather.
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