KATENTURE – Kavango East governor Julius Hambyuka on Tuesday paid a visit to the family of the three minors who died of lightning strike last week at Katenture village in the Mukwe constituency.

Thunderbolts hit more than once at a homestead at Katenture village, killing three children and leaving one hospitalised.

The victims, who lived in the same homestead, were identified as Frans Thinyemba (13), Matamu Nyambi (4) and Folka Dinyando Kathumbi (5). 

The survivor was identified as Victoria Thinyemba (10), who is in the Andara District Hospital for medical treatment.

“As governor, I represent the Head of State, who has also been informed of the sad event. I came to assess the situation, and hear from the family on the tragic incident that left three children dead and one hospitalised. The President is also mourning with you, as the loss of the young people has touched all Namibians,’’ the governor said.

Hambyuka described the events as a disaster, which cannot be left on the shoulders of the family alone.

 He said it is one that requires concerted efforts.

“Government will have to assist the family in terms of the burial of the deceased people. They need assistance with coffins and food, and to replace the hut that burned down with a better structure, built with iron roof sheets (a bigger mbashu) for the family to use. We will not just leave it to the family,’’ the governor noted.

Hambyuka was directed to the family by Mukwe constituency councillor Damian Maghambayi. 

“We provided them with a tent and 10 bags of maize meal, just for them to use as assistance for the time being. 

The situation is dire. The family are destitute, and their only means of survival is through subsistence farming. Therefore, I’m calling on good Samaritans to come together. The responsibility is not only for government, but for all of us. Let us come together and assist,’’ Maghambayi said.

“The house of the grandmother where the children succumbed was destroyed with all her belongings. We have compiled a report and submitted to the governor to send to the Office of the Prime Minister to see how they can be assisted,’’ he said. 

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.