RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO-There was commotion and pandemonium at Ngundu Police Station as rains that lasted for less than 10 minutes left eight people nursing injuries after being struck by lightning following the arrest of some touts.
One of the victims started speaking in tongues and suddenly lost his voice and was resuscitated by his pastor who prayed for him, The Midweek Watch was informed.
Masvingo Provincial ZRP spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the dramatic incident.
The incident which happened on February 17, 2023 left eight people including two Police officers injured after they were struck by lightning following the arrest of touts at Ngundu Halt Business Centre.
“The circumstances are that a lightning bolt struck eight people at Ngundu Police station on February 17 around 1220pm. They sustained invisible injuries and were admitted at Chivi Hospital. There were two Police officers who were also caught up among other five suspects who were facing touting charges and one for assault. We are not releasing the names of the victims because they did not consent for their names to be made public,” said Dhewa.
According to a close source who works near the police station, there was drama and people had to run for their lives after a violent storm accompanied by heavy rains, lightning and thunder viciously hit the police station only at the centre which lasted for 10 minutes.
“Something never seen before has happened here. It started raining heavily with thunder and lightning which struck inside the charge office a few minutes after some taxi drivers and touts were brought in for touting. One person was badly injured and was rushed to Chivi Hospital whilst the other one immediately started to speak in tongues before he became numb.
“He was only revived by his pastor who came and prayed for him. The rains did not last up to 10 minutes and the sky was clear in less than 10 minutes after the incident,” said the source.
Dhewa dispelled rumours that were circulating on social media on Saturday that the officer in charge and nine other Police officers had been killed by the lightning bolt.
He also warned the public against circulating unverified information as this may cause unnecessary panic among families.
