Moretele Municipality still in shock following deadly lightning strikes

An investigation is underway in the Moretele local municipality outside of Pretoria after two people died following lightning strikes. 

The community was attending an annual traditional ceremony on Saturday when the lightning struck. 

RELATED: Lightning kills two, injures 150 in South Africa

Over 150 people were treated for lightning-related injuries, while 13, who were in critical care, were transferred to other hospitals. 

The spokesperson for the Moretele Local Municipality, Abel Muthupi Malebye, says most of the people who were treated for non-life-threatening injuries have now been discharged.

“[We] have visited the area and also visited the affected families. Social Development will offer counselling to the affected families.” 

While this is a natural disaster for which no one is at fault, Malebye says an investigation into the incident has begun.   

He says this is a reminder of the unpredictability of nature.

“[This lightning strike] is the first to happen in our area, and this is an annual festival. It is now the 18th year. We are still shocked to have witnessed this type of incident.

To listen to Malebye, use the audio player below: