VREDENBURG – A man died on Sunday 13 September, after being struck by lightning in an open field near the Usave store in Louwville, following severe weather and lightning in the area.

According to Capt Tania Helfrich, district spokesperson for the West Coast Police, the body of Milton Mukarati was found at approximately 16:30.

It was later established that Mukarati was walking from his home through the field when he was struck by lightning. He sustained burn marks to his leg and chest.

Emergency services arrived at the scene in Kootjieskloof while residents looked on.

The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated and a post-mortem examination was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 15 September at the Malmesbury Pathology lab.