Lightning victim laid to rest
According to his wife, Ms Joyce Mabokela, they had both arrived home from work when the tragedy happened.
Vusimuzi resident Mr Elias Mabokela was laid to rest at his home village Phofu in Ga-Matlala on Saturday last week.
Mr Mabokela (42) died when he was struck by a lightning while inside his shack on February 19.
According to his wife, Ms Joyce Mabokela, they had both arrived home from work when the tragedy happened.
“We arrived home at around 5pm and we later enjoyed dinner together. After we finished eating, my husband went to get a soft drink. At that time, it was about 8pm. He came back and all was still fine,” said Ms Mabokela.
Ms Mabokela said they switched off their television and went to bed.
“Just few minutes later, I heard the biggest bang of lighting. I heard him calling out. I tried helping but he vomited and fainted. I then left and went to call our family members for help. Although our son who also witnessed the incident, said to me that his father would not make it. I also called our family in Phofu to come,” said Ms Mabokela.
Ms Mabokela said after the family’s arrival, they decided to take him to a traditional doctor but he died few minutes after our arrival,” added Ms Mabokela.
The deceased Mr Elias Mabokela worked for Nimrod Hardware in Kempton Park for 16 years.
He worked closely with Mr Douglas Graham.
Mr Graham said the deceased was a happy person.
“Even when he had problems, he never lashed out at innocent people. He was a hard worker and a good individual to work with. We’ve all lost a great person. We are still saddened by his death,” said Mr Graham.
Mr Mabokela is survived by his wife, two sons, mother, two sisters and one brother.
