MEC calls for lightning probe

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs Nomsa Dube called on the national department of science and technology to investigate the causes of lightning after seven people died in lightning strikes.

"We will do an investigation and talk to the department of science and technology on what is the cause of the lightning," said Dube.

She was visiting Mpumazi in Eshowe where seven people from two families died after being struck by lightning on Sunday.

"Scientists from the department could perhaps help us and come up with instruments that could help community members protect themselves against lightning.

"The department has dealt with floods and fires, but lightning was new to us," said Dube.

On Sunday four members of the Cele family, Samke, two, Lindani, 12, Zandile, 37, and Edith, 57, were killed when lightning struck their rondavel which burnt to ashes.

A surviving member of the family, Philani, said he had carried the bodies of his dead family members out of the rondavel.

"It started raining yesterday around 3pm, we were all from church, then there was lightning which struck the house and there was a fire.

"I ran out of the house and later noticed that my family was still inside, I went back and carried them out," said Philani.

He said among the dead were his mother, son, brother and aunt.

Dube was expected to visit the second family later on Monday where three people died.