Beitbridge Bureau — Four family members, including three minors from Chief Malaba area in Kezi, were last week struck by lightning. The four were all burnt beyond recognition when a hut they were sleeping caught fire. The incident occurred at Sasane Village in Sun Yet Sen area of Kezi. Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Sergeant Nkosilathi Sibanda said the remains of the four had since been taken to Tshelanyemba Hospital mortuary.

He identified the four as Sthethengani Sibanda (22), Rosina Tavarika (nine), Perseverance Nyathi (two) and Zinhle Nyathi aged six months.

Sgt Sibanda said the four had retired to bed when it started raining.

"The deceased are all members of the same family," he said.

"There was a thunderstorm accompanied by heavy winds. Their bedroom hut was struck by a bolt of lightning and caught fire."