LIGHTNING killed 47 head of cattle in GaMatlala, outside Polokwane, on Friday.
The livestock belonged to various local farmers.
Village headman Gabriel Mahlopi said a total of 48 head of cattle were initially struck by lightning while grazing.
"One survived and a total of 47 were killed," he said.
"We are seriously taken aback by this incident because stock farming is our only means of survival.
"Most of us depended on the milk from our cows and the meat to put food on the table.
"Now that they are all dead, we don't know where our next meal will come from."
Mahlopi said a meeting had been arranged where the affected farmers would meet and discuss the extent of the damage and make plans for reputable companies and government departments to compensate them for their loss.
Johannes Moremi, who lost eight head of cattle said five of them were pregnant and were due to deliver before December.
He said the cattle were killed just a day after he had finished expanding the kraal so that there was enough space for the new arrivals.
Provincial spokesperson for the department of agriculture, Kenny Mathiba, said his department would send a team of experts to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Lightning strike kills 47 head of cattle
LIGHTNING killed 47 head of cattle in GaMatlala, outside Polokwane, on Friday.
The livestock belonged to various local farmers.
Village headman Gabriel Mahlopi said a total of 48 head of cattle were initially struck by lightning while grazing.
"One survived and a total of 47 were killed," he said.
"We are seriously taken aback by this incident because stock farming is our only means of survival.
"Most of us depended on the milk from our cows and the meat to put food on the table.
"Now that they are all dead, we don't know where our next meal will come from."
Mahlopi said a meeting had been arranged where the affected farmers would meet and discuss the extent of the damage and make plans for reputable companies and government departments to compensate them for their loss.
Johannes Moremi, who lost eight head of cattle said five of them were pregnant and were due to deliver before December.
He said the cattle were killed just a day after he had finished expanding the kraal so that there was enough space for the new arrivals.
Provincial spokesperson for the department of agriculture, Kenny Mathiba, said his department would send a team of experts to evaluate the extent of the damage.