Port St Johns, Eastern Cape – Eleven cows were killed after being struck by lightning in Caguba Village near Port St Johns, leaving two small-scale farmers with significant losses.
The incident happened on Thursday morning, 5 February 2026, during a thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall. The cattle were grazing in an open field when the lightning strike occurred.
One of the affected farmers, Mthandazo Mthimkhulu, lost three cows valued at an estimated R30,000, while Thandazile Mjokovana lost eight cows. No human injuries were reported.
Local residents described hearing a loud thunderclap before discovering the dead animals scattered across the field.
Livestock plays a critical role in rural livelihoods, often serving as financial security for emergencies such as school fees, medical expenses, and lobola.
The incident has prompted calls for assistance to help farmers mitigate the impact of severe weather events.
