The family of a Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) student who was struck dead by lightning while asleep at a student residence recently are battling to come to terms with his untimely passing.
Mpumezi Mndetywa, 24, who was in his third year of study for a diploma in mechanical engineering, is thought to have been asleep at one of the institution’s residences in Glenwood, Durban, in the early hours of a Saturday morning when he was struck by lightning.
Mzukisi Xolo, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “He must have died a fiery death being killed by a lightning. If the incident had happened in the village, we would have understood because lightning strikes are common there.
“We do not understand. Affluent cities such as Durban have lightning conductors to prevent deadly lightning strikes, so we are shocked. We are still searching for answers.”
He said the death was a blow to the family as they had high hopes that Mndetywa would change the family fortunes after finishing his studies.
“He was completing his studies, and everybody was looking forward to having the first person in the family acquiring higher education qualifications.
“We knew that his education would unlock doors and improve the situation at home,” said Xolo.
Spokesperson for the paramedics Cait Hager said Mndetywa’s chances of survival were slim.
“He was severely burned. We assessed the male patient on the scene and found he had sustained first and secondary burns to almost 95% of his body,” said Hager. Sunday World understands that terrified students screamed for help in the middle of the heavy lightning storm but it was too late.
Confirming the incident, Dr Thembi Kweyama, the dean of students at MUT, said the affected students would be offered psychological support to help them deal with the ordeal.
“Sadly, Mr Mndetywa was asleep in his room when he was struck by a bolt of lightning,” said Kweyama.
