Lightning strikes 53 Bonsmaras in North West

[News]

A devastating lightning strike on Sunday evening has wiped out over 30% of Christopher Maema's prized Bonsmara herd, causing damages exceeding R1 million.

Maema's 407-hectare farm, Eye of Malemani, between Lichtenburg and Zeerust, was hit by severe thunderstorms, killing numerous female cattle, including calves and four high-value Stud Book Proper (SP) animals.

The loss is a significant blow to Maema's stud farming operation, which he established in 2020.

No bulls were struck by the lightning.

Reint Grobler from Kyron Agri in Lichtenburg, who manages the Maema herd’s animal health and helps with management, said the thunderstorm on Sunday evening was particularly severe. Between 7 and 11 November the town recorded about 93mm of rain.