Staff Reporter

A tragic lightning strike at Chimurenga Mine, Vanguard area in Mberengwa, claimed the lives of three miners and left five others injured on February 19, 2025, at around 1600 hours.

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, stating, “Police confirm the death of three people on the spot and the injury of five others in a lightning incident.”

The deceased have been identified as Simbarashe Chimombe (23), Clemence Mucheri (36) of Village Chamutsa under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera, and Pardon Ncube (23) of Dorset Debia in Zvishavane.

According to reports, eight miners were working on a residential wooden cabin when heavy rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning, forced them to seek shelter in a nearby wooden structure. Tragically, a bolt of lightning struck the cabin, killing three of them instantly.

“Cries for help were heard by other miners who responded to the distress call and discovered three dead bodies on the floor,” said Mahoko. “The remaining five were injured and taken to Mberengwa District Hospital, where they are admitted in stable condition.”

ZRP Mberengwa attended the scene, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to Mberengwa District Hospital mortuary.

Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the miners may have been using a cell phone at the time of the lightning strike.

“Police are appealing to members of the public to avoid using cell phones, landlines, or any other electronic gadgets that may attract lightning during rainy conditions,” warned Mahoko.

Authorities continue to urge caution during storms to prevent similar tragedies.