9 January 2024
By: Fredalette Uys
Three people lost their lives when they were struck by lightning last week in two incidents on a farm near Barkly West in the Northern Cape.
According to a statement by the Wildeklawer vegetable farm, nine people were struck during the first incident last Wednesday, with two killed instantly. Another worker was struck by lightning and killed on Friday.
Cora de Kock, co-owner of the farm, said nothing like this had happened in her 37 years on the property.
Her husband, Louis, said he was deeply moved by today’s visit to the farm by the families of the three deceased. “It is sincerely appreciated. We appreciate the gesture and assure a supportive space during this difficult time.”
Natural phenomenon
Last Wednesday, a large group of workers were in the fields late in the afternoon. Cora said during the peak period in summer, nearly 2 000 workers are employed daily on the farm.
“Our foreman noticed the change in the weather on Wednesday, with possible rain on the way,” said Cora. She explained that the weather service did not predict lightning and the events unfolded within a few minutes.
The foreman, Sam Stevens, asked all workers to leave the fields. “With the approaching rain, the farm brought buses closer, as is our standard practice,” said Stevens.
The buses shelter workers until the weather clears. However, lightning struck while the workers were on their way to the vehicles.
“It wasn’t even that loud,” said Stevens. “It hadn’t even started raining when the first lightning bolt struck. A second flash hit about 110 metres away from the first one.”
Nine people were struck. Onneile Andrew Koji (51) from Taung and Moatlhodi Godfrey Mokoena (26) from Barkly West died instantly.
Emergency services were called in, with one person transported by air ambulance. The other six were taken by ambulance to Mediclinic Gariep. All seven have since been discharged.
During the second incident at the Romance production unit near Riverton, Lemogang Anthony Selebogo (19) was struck in the fields and died. According to Cora, her son-in-law was nearby when lightning struck.
Workers had evacuated the fields after seeing the weather turn and they were waiting in the buses.
Employees affected by the incident have been receiving counselling since Friday.
According to Cora, their hearts go out to the affected families and they mourn the loss of lives. “It’s an incredibly sad time.”
Two of the funerals will be held on Saturday and the third is still being planned. Wildeklawer is covering the funeral expenses.
