22 Nov 2015

On Friday (Novemebr 20) traffic along the A3 road between Francistown and Mathangwane just before Shashe River Bridge was put to halt as motorists stopped by to view something strange which was left by the heavy rain which poured on Thursday afternoon.

A mound of ice was formed on the soil covering a distance of about 500 metres and though the hail storm came on Thursday afternoon, until Friday afternoon the ice like mound was still found on the sunny afternoon of Friday.

In an interview with weather bureau officials, acting director Mr Othata Mmolotsi said it was something they have not experienced in the country but because they have not been to the scene they could not give in full details of what it is.

He however noted that with video clips sent to them by some members of the public, they will analyse it and issue a statement during the course of the week. Mr Mmolotsi further explained that because it has been very hot for the past days it is expected that the rains that come will have hail as result of the energy found in the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, District Officer for Tutume Sub district Mr Kabelo Tshekiso has highlighted that the disaster team assisted about 30 households with tents as their houses roofs were blown away by the Thursday strong winds.

Mr Tshekiso said in Mathangwane they have 20 cases while in Mabuwe and Selolwane kgotla they had four cases reported in each and in Makobo, three cases were reported but noted that there was chance for more to be reported. Ends