Lightning ripped to shreds the only sets of school uniforms two brothers from Leandra owned.

Lightning struck Thapelo (16) and Tumelo (13) Mhlanga on February 13. Although they are still recovering from the ordeal, they count themselves lucky to have survived.

“I walked from my high school to Sidingulwazi Primary School, where Tumelo was waiting for me. This was our routine,” said Thapelo, a Grade Nine learner at Vukuqhakaze Secondary School.

“This was a terrible experience. One moment, we were walking out of the schoolyard (Sidingulwazi Primary) and passing the sports grounds, and the next minute, we woke up in the hospital,” he exclaimed.

When the school principal was notified about the incident, he immediately called for an ambulance, which rushed the boys to Evander Hospital.

They were discharged two days later and are now receiving treatment as outpatients. According to their older brother, Sibusiso Mhlanga, the boys are still struggling with the electrocution effects.

Thapelo told Ridge Times his body is still shaky, and he has trouble walking. Tumelo’s eyes are affected. He struggles with his vision and is worried this will impact his school work.

Their father, Enock Mhlanga, who is unemployed, said providing his recovering children with the correct nutrition is a battle because there is no money.

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Enock is worried his children might not cope in class if they return to school too soon.

“I don’t even know how am I going to replace the torn uniforms,” he said.

Leandra police spokesperson Constable Nontobeko Ngubeni confirmed the incident of two school children struck by lightning.

Anyone wanting to help the Mhlanga brothers may call Enock on 065 523 3226.