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A devastating lightning strike has left small-scale farmers in Caguba Village reeling after it killed 11 of their cows while they grazed in an open field during a thunderstorm, wiping out what many call their "bank" for emergencies like paying school fees or lobola, and sparking urgent calls for government help to protect livestock in rural areas prone to severe weather.

The Tragic Lightning Strike Incident

The bolt hit on Thursday morning, 5 February 2026, as heavy rains pounded the area. The cows, belonging to two local farmers, were out grazing when the storm turned deadly. Mthandazo Mthimkhulu lost three of his animals, worth about R30,000, while Thandazile Mjokovana saw eight of hers die in an instant. Witnesses described a loud crack followed by the sight of the fallen cattle, some still smoking from the strike. No people were hurt, but the loss cut deep for families who rely on these animals for survival.

In rural spots like Caguba, cows are more than just livestock—they are a lifeline. Farmers like Mthimkhulu explained, "Our bank is gone," highlighting how they sell or trade cows for big needs, like weddings or education. Without insurance, which many cannot afford due to high premiums and low incomes, the hit is total. Mjokovana shared her heartbreak, saying the cows were her main source of money, leaving her family in a tough spot to recover.

This incident is not rare in the Eastern Cape, where thunderstorms roll in often during summer, bringing lightning that strikes open fields. Data shows over 200 livestock deaths from lightning in the province last year alone, with small farmers bearing the brunt because their animals graze freely without shelters.