TWO kids aged 12 and 11 were reportedly struck by lightning and drowned while swimming in a dam.
The tragedy happened in Makgodu Village in Limpopo on Monday, 22 January at about 3.30pm.
It's alleged that the kids were swimming with three others when they suddenly drowned.
A source told Daily Sun that the incident happened after the girl and boy swam in a small dam.
"We are still shocked by the incident because the dam is small and was just filled with water from the recent heavy rains. The dam is not deep enough for them to have drowned if they had not been struck by lightning," the source said.
The two bodies were recovered with the help of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), community members and the Seshego police.
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Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the kids were struck by lightning while swimming and drowned.
"The two deceased kids were later identified as Tebogo Mofumadi (12) and Boitumelo Tshabalala (11). The other three survivors were taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and the cause of death will be determined by the post-mortem results," Ledwaba said.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Jan Scheepers, urged the residents to be extra careful during the rainy season.
He said that people are known to go into rivers and streams for various reasons, including spiritual, religious or cultural practises.
"We urge residents to be extra careful during this time as the rivers and streams overflow their banks. We also urge parents to keep an eye on their kids to protect them from drowning. Parents and guardians are reminded not to let their children swim without adult supervision," Scheepers said.
Daily Sun couldn't reach the affected family members for a comment.
