RUNDU – Two teenagers aged 17 and 19 died and four others were hospitalised after they were struck by lightning while playing football at the Kamutjonga village in Mukwe constituency, Kavango East region on Wednesday afternoon.

“The deceased persons were identified as John Thikuko Muharakwe (19) and Dennis Muthitu Thindhimba (17) - both from Kamutjonga village,’’ said Kavango East, police Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu who confirmed the incident.

He said the others who were also struck by the lightning are currently hospitalised.

“Those hospitalised are Andreas Dinyando (17) Patrick Makoya (23), Muhero Gotfried (17) and Christoph Muyambo also 17 and Mayira Reino, Mbangu Jonas both 17,” he said. 

They are all at Andara Hospital where they have been reported to be in stable condition.

In an unrelated incident, a 25-year-old man died after he was bitten by a snake on Wednesday morning at the Matjwa village, in Rundu rural constituency, Kavango East.

It is alleged that the man was bitten by a snake while cutting wooden poles in the forest. He allegedly went alone into the forest and after being bitten by the snake, ran to his uncle’s place while screaming for help. Unfortunately, the uncle was not at home, so people in the village called for an ambulance from Rundu state hospital for assistance but by the time the ambulance arrived he had already died.

“The deceased was identified as, Tjingereshu Tjitumbo, a Namibian male adult, (25) residing at the Matjwa village. The next of kin have been informed. The body was transported to Rundu State Hospital mortuary pending postmortem,” Kanyetu said. - jmuyamba@nepc.com.na