A night of worship ended in tragedy on Sunday, 14 December 2025, when lightning struck a church tent in Radimana village, Limpopo, killing three people and injuring five others.
The shocking incident took place at around 1am in the Senwabarwana policing area, Limpopo, while a congregation was holding a night service in a tent set up in an open field.
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Heavy rain and thunderstorms had moved into the area when lightning suddenly struck inside the tent as people were singing.
Eight people, aged between 12 and 56, and reportedly from Sefihlampyana village, were affected.
They were rushed to a nearby healthcare centre, but tragically, three of them – a man and two women – were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The survivors were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The deceased have been identified as Ribson Mothemane (46), Mosibudi Mokgobu (44), and Glenda Modjadji Ntjana (36), all residents of Sefihlampyana village.
The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her sorrow over the incident and urged residents to take precautions.
She said: “I encourage members of the community to take precautionary measures, especially during this rainy season.”
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An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike.
The community of Radimana and surrounding areas in Limpopo remain shaken by the event, as local authorities continue to support the affected families.
