By OBAKENG MAJE
5 January 2026- Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike convened a special meeting to give an update on Mphebatho Troop Festival’s unfortunate lightning incident that claimed two lives and left dozens others injured. Following the meeting, Manyike paid tribute to two bereaved families who lost their children as a result of the incident.
He further said the first visit was to the Mashishi family in Lefatlheng, where they lost their daughter Kenoshi (35), a teacher at Tlhaloganyo Primary School. Manyike added that the deceased leaves behind a son (10).
“The second visit was to the Shekwambane family in Itsoseng Section in Dertig, where the family also lost their daughter, Koketso (28). We express our heartfelt condolences and commitment to support the families during this difficult time.
“We also committed to engage the North West Department of Health to request more ambulances to ensure speedy availability in cases of emergencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to visit the bereaved families on 5 January 2026 and the meeting will start at Mathibestad Municipality Hall at 11am and proceed to the affected families. Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike and other dignitaries will visit the families of two people killed by lightning whilst attending the Annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground near Mathibestad.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Several more people were injured and have since been admitted at Mathibestad Community Health Centre for medical treatment. Mokgosi takes this opportunity to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes all other affected individuals a speedy recovery.
“The visit will be preceded by checking up on survivors of this unfortunate incident.”
The Guardian 