Breaking News Report
Fellow Nurses Africa
Published: April 17, 2025
Tragedy Strikes: Newly Graduated Zambian Nurse Dies After Lightning Strike
A newly graduated nurse, Mwenda Simata, has tragically died after being struck by lightning in Malengwa, Zambia. Mwenda, a former student of the Senanga School of Nursing, met her untimely death on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the nursing community.
Her remains have been transferred to Lewanika General Hospital Mortuary in Mongu, where friends, family, and colleagues are gathering to mourn the loss of a young professional who had only just begun her journey in the healthcare field.
“It’s heartbreaking. She was dedicated, full of promise, and had just graduated. This is a huge loss to the nursing profession,” a colleague shared.
Rising Cases of Lightning-Related Deaths in Zambia
Mwenda’s death is the latest in a troubling trend of lightning fatalities in Zambia. The country, particularly during its rainy season, continues to experience frequent and sometimes deadly thunderstorms.
In recent months, several similar tragedies have been reported:
- March 2025: Two schoolgirls were struck and killed by lightning in Kalomo’s Nkandazovu area while returning home from school.
- November 2024: A family of four was killed by lightning at a fishing camp in Chifunabuli District, after sheltering in a grass-thatched hut.
- Mwinilunga District: 29-year-old Reagan Mukumbi died in his home during a thunderstorm in late 2024.
- Pemba District, Southern Province: Two children lost their lives when lightning struck their house in Kanchele Village in December 2024.
These repeated tragedies have sparked concern across the country, prompting calls for better lightning safety education, disaster preparedness, and the implementation of early warning systems, especially in rural and high-risk areas.
A Community in Mourning
The nursing and health community in Zambia is reeling from the loss of Nurse Mwenda Simata. Tributes continue to pour in across social media and professional platforms, with many expressing grief and demanding more action from local authorities to protect citizens during extreme weather events.
“We just graduated together… I still can’t believe this. She had so many dreams,” wrote one of Mwenda’s former classmates.
“We need more lightning protection awareness in our communities. This should not keep happening,” said another nurse based in Lusaka.
Honouring Her Memory
Nurse Mwenda Simata will be remembered not just as a promising healthcare professional, but as a symbol of the many unsung heroes in the frontline of African healthcare. Her death is a painful reminder of the risks faced not only in hospitals but also in everyday life—especially in underserved regions where weather safety infrastructure is lacking.
Fellow Nurses Africa Stands in Solidarity
At Fellow Nurses Africa, we extend our deepest condolences to Mwenda’s family, friends, and the entire Senanga School of Nursing community. Her passing is a heartbreaking loss, not just for Zambia, but for the nursing profession across Africa.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform, and support the nursing profession.
