Eastern Cape freak storm devastates village

A flash hailstorm, accompanied by strong winds, has left a youth dead and destroyed several homesteads at Mekeni village near Ngqamakwe in the Eastern Cape.

Police spokesperson, Jackson Manatha, says the freak storm flattened some homes, leaving about 50 families destitute and causing damage estimated at thousands of rands.

A 16-year-old learner died when he tried to jump off a school bus being buffeted by the strong wind. The bus was blown over and fell on him. Several other learners have been admitted to hospital.

Manatha says the families left homeless have spent the night with relatives and friends.