Lightning strikes chief’s court building

Chief Nemangwe's court building in Gokwe South district was burnt down after it was struck by lightning during a heavy storm recently, a relative confirmed yesterday.

Mr Thomas Tazvivinga said court sittings have as a result been temporarily suspended.

"Everything in the chief's court building was reduced to ashes and a section of the building constructed from stones was also destroyed following a heavy storm on Thursday last week," said Mr Tazvivinga.

He said the rains that were accompanied by strong winds did not last long.

Mr Tazvivinga said the destruction of the court building had dealt a blow to the community especially individuals with pending court cases.

"What it means is that all pending cases will have to wait until the court building is reconstructed," he said.

Mr Tazvivinga, who said he was the chief's close relative, said the destruction of the court building had since been reported to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development and the office of the Midlands provincial Governor, Cde Jason Machaya.

"The chief has appealed to the Government to assist in rebuilding the court which is a very important institution," said Mr Tazvivinga.

Efforts to get comment from Chief Nemangwe were fruitless yesterday as his mobile phone was not reachable.

Cde Machaya, however, confirmed the incident and said he has since met the chief at his homestead to assess the damage.

"The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon and I visited the area at the weekend to assess the damage that was caused by the lightning," he said.

Governor Machaya said the court building, which was thatched, had its roof reduced to ashes.

"The roof was reduced to ashes and according to the chief nothing was salvaged from the building," he said.

Governor Machaya said he had since approached officials from the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities so that they could assist in rebuilding the court building.

"We are doing everything to make sure that the chief gets the required assistance," he said.