Four apostolic sect women struck dead by lightning

Four apostolic sect women were on Saturday afternoon killed by lightning at Nyangata village in Manicaland province, national police spokesperson Charity Chiramba confirmed Sunday.

All the four died on spot.

"The lightning struck while the women were coming from a church service, (Masowe)," said Charamba.

Zimbabwe is one of the world's most lightning-prone countries - the holder of a world record in lightning-related fatalities.

The country has the weird merit of being one of lightning's most favourite places with Mutare recording the largest number of victims to die in a single bolt resulting in it being registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.

During the rainy season, lightning strikes normally kill up to 100 people, mostly in rural areas.

The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe says it is possible that lightning deaths in the country could actually be under-reported by 20 to 30% and lightning injuries by more than 40%, while many deaths and injuries go unreported.

In 1975, 21 people were killed while sheltering in a hut.

Charamba said the public should desist from seeking shelter under trees as this exposes them to lightning.