Gwanda North MP's son struck by lightning

THE son of Gwanda North Member of Parliament, Mr Thandeko Zinti Mnkandla, is lucky to be alive after he was struck by lightning at his home.

Kukhanyakwenkosi Mnkandla (27), who is the second born, was in one of the huts at his rural home at Entembeni village in Matshetsheni area under Chief Masuku, when it started raining on Wednesday at about 12 noon.

Mr Mnkandla confirmed the incident in a telephone interview yesterday.

He said his son was admitted to Gwanda Provincial Hospital after sustaining burns.

"It was raining on Wednesday and my son together and our worker were in one of the huts (ixhiba) away from the main house.

"When the rains ended at about 12 noon a bolt of lightning suddenly struck our home but slightly missed the hut they were in. Although the hut was not destroyed they felt the impact," said Mr Mnkandla.

"He was lucky to survive and was taken to Gwanda Hospital where he is recovering well. Our employee was discharged on the same day."

Mr Mnkandla said on the same day the lightning killed two cows and a donkey belonging to one of his neighbours in the village.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe could not confirm the incident saying his office has not yet received the report.

"We have not received such a report. We will liaise with the station in charge to get the information," said Insp Dzirutwe.