By Abigail Visagie

What began as a vibrant community celebration at the annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground near Mathibestad in the North West province turned tragic when a lightning strike injured several troopers and claimed two lives. On 3 January 2026, the Mphebatho Troop Festival hosted its annual event, held in honour of Sesotho culture in South Africa, promoting unity, celebration and camaraderie between the two countries. The festivities featured performances by local music groups and were attended by several dignitaries, including royalty. During the event, while troopers were seated under a tent, two lightning strikes occurred. Peter Selemela, a survivor and trooper from Sun Rise who participated in the festivities, said a sudden downpour accompanied by lightning caught them off guard. According to Selemela, the first strike was distant, but the second hit the tent directly, leaving people shocked and immobile. “Seconds later, people were on the floor. I couldn’t move as my left hand suddenly became numb. I noticed another trooper’s legs had stopped functioning, so I crawled towards him and pulled him closer to the tent,” he said. Selemela added that emergency services eventually assisted them at the Mphebatho Library. The North West Department of Health confirmed that 150 patients were taken to the Mathibestad Clinic. Thirteen were critically injured and transferred to Jubilee Hospital, while two patients were declared dead on arrival and awaited forensic services. Most patients sustained mild lightning-related burns, with 34 still awaiting medical assessment at the time of reporting. The remaining patients were treated and discharged. North West Health MEC Sello Lehari said he was pleased that Mathibestad Community Health Centre was fully operational during the tragedy. He confirmed that both day and night staff were on duty. “The health professionals on site included two doctors, four professional nurses and three enrolled nurses, bringing the total staff complement to nine,” said Lehari. “EMS support was strengthened through the deployment of two North West EMS ambulances, two Gauteng EMS ambulances and Planned Patient Transport.” Speaking on behalf of Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, Social Development MEC Sussana Dantjie conveyed condolences to the affected families and confirmed that the festival would continue next year. “We expect all stakeholders to work together to ensure the smooth hosting of the next festival,” she said. Dantjie acknowledged concerns from some attendees who believe the fatalities could have been prevented with quicker emergency response, but noted that “death ultimately remains in the hands of God”. Moretele Local Municipality Mayor George Manyike visited the Mashishi family in Lefatlheng, who lost their daughter Kenoshi (35), a teacher at Tlhaloganyo Primary School and a mother to a 10-year-old son. He also visited the Shekwambane family in Itsoseng Section, Dertig, Ward 18, who lost their daughter Koketso (28).