RUNDU – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recorded three deaths over the weekend after three people were reportedly struck by lightning in separate incidents.
A weekend crime report issued by NamPol spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi states that the body of 56-year-old Marando Bernhard Dikoro was found under a tree behind a filling station in Divundu on Friday. The tragic event, which occurred between Friday and Saturday, have once again highlighted the dangers posed by severe thunderstorms during the current rainy season in the Kavango and Ohangwena regions.
Preliminary police reports indicate that Dikoro was found under a tree, where it is suspected he had sought shelter before being struck by lightning.
No foul play is suspected, and an inquest has been opened.
Meanwhile, in Kavango West, a second fatal strike occurred on Saturday at Ntara village in the Musese constituency.
At around 14h00, Rarufa Munango, an adult male, died instantly while herding cattle with a group of people.
Shikwambi said Munango was struck in an open field during a sudden downpour.
Others present at the scene were reportedly unharmed.
The weekend’s fatalities extended to the Ohangwena region, where 13-year-old Joseph Kandjila lost his life on Friday.
His body was found under a tree at Oshiti shaHaihonya village in the Okongo area.
Like the Divundu case, authorities believe Kandjila was struck while attempting to shield himself from the rain.
Shikwambi confirmed that the next of kin for all three deceased have been informed.
While police investigations into the inquests continue, authorities have urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution during thunderstorms.
“Residents, particularly those in rural areas herding livestock or working in crop fields, are advised to avoid seeking shelter under trees or remaining in open spaces when lightning is present,’’ she said.
Photo: Heather Erdmann