The family of Rassie John Panja (26), who lost his life following a suspected lightning strike, is preparing to take him home for burial.

According to his uncle, Manuel Paulo Madjimba, he was a quiet and hard-working man.

Madjimba said his nephew was taking cover under a tree during a storm on October 15 when the tree was hit by lightning.

“He was a breadwinner and leaves behind his mother, wife and child,” said Madjimba.

“His passing comes after he visited his family in August. He always smiled. We are saddened by the situation and we just want to take him home and give him a respectful funeral.”

Panja’s sudden death has left his family facing immense hardships.

“It’s difficult at home because he took care of everything,” said Madjimba.

“He would always help us with the little he had.”

The farm where the accident happened is located near the old Witbank Dam.

Funeral arrangements are underway.

The family is finalising the necessary paperwork, and repatriation to Mozambique is expected by the end of this week so he can be laid to rest.

Warrant Officer Nonhlanhla Mdluli confirmed that an inquest docket was registered at the Middelburg Police Station.