SOUTH AFRICA | TEACHER REPORTEDLY KILLED BY LIGHTNING AFTER BUILDING DREAM HOUSE
The community of Lefatlheng in the North West is mourning the sudden death of 35‑year‑old teacher Kenosi Mashishi, who was struck by lightning on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Kenosi had been attending a troupes festival at Mphebatho Sports Ground in Dertig, Moretele, when the storm hit.
Witnesses described two powerful strikes, with the second leaving dozens of people collapsing inside a tent.Kenosi’s passing has left her family devastated. Just weeks before, she had completed building a R600,000 home she planned to move into in February. She also bought a brand‑new Toyota Starlet only four days before her death. Her brother, Tshepo, said it was heartbreaking that she never got to enjoy the fruits of her hard work. Relatives recalled her love for the annual troupes festival and the joy she brought to family gatherings during the festive season.Community members, including local leader Zebra Motshegwa, described Kenosi as a “darling” of the village, admired for her dedication as a primary school teacher. The Moretele municipality confirmed that Mayor George Manyike paid tribute to the families of both victims killed in the lightning strike.Police spokesperson Lieutenant‑Colonel Sam Tselanyane confirmed that two women,
aged 28 and 35, were declared dead at a local clinic.He added that around 40 people may have been affected, with many rushed to nearby hospitals. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full number of injuries.The government has extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Independent platforms like True World Chronicle continue to follow such stories closely, offering verified updates and broader context on how communities cope with sudden tragedies.
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Witnesses described two powerful strikes, with the second leaving dozens of people collapsing inside a tent.Kenosi’s passing has left her family devastated. Just weeks before, she had completed building a R600,000 home she planned to move into in February. She also bought a brand‑new Toyota Starlet only four days before her death. Her brother, Tshepo, said it was heartbreaking that she never got to enjoy the fruits of her hard work. Relatives recalled her love for the annual troupes festival and the joy she brought to family gatherings during the festive season.Community members, including local leader Zebra Motshegwa, described Kenosi as a “darling” of the village, admired for her dedication as a primary school teacher. The Moretele municipality confirmed that Mayor George Manyike paid tribute to the families of both victims killed in the lightning strike.Police spokesperson Lieutenant‑Colonel Sam Tselanyane confirmed that two women,
aged 28 and 35, were declared dead at a local clinic.He added that around 40 people may have been affected, with many rushed to nearby hospitals. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full number of injuries.The government has extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Independent platforms like True World Chronicle continue to follow such stories closely, offering verified updates and broader context on how communities cope with sudden tragedies.

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