Bees sting woman to death

2004-06-20 21:21

Nahima Ahmed and Madali Chibambu

Johannesburg - A woman has died on a smallholding in Elandsvlei, Randfontein, after she and six fellow workers were attacked by a swarm of bees.

A witness said 33-year-old Smaka Pooe tried to outrun the attacking bees, but to no avail.

She died before paramedics could get to her.

Her co-workers were taken to Krugersdorp's Leratong hospital for treatment and were later discharged.

"I went to the store to buy food and when I came back I was told my wife had been killed by bees. I could not believe that the woman I left minutes ago was lying there, dead, in front of my own eyes," said Smaka's husband, Peter Chauke.

West Rand police spokesperson Tshisihkawe Ndou said the workers were offloading manure from a truck when they were attacked late on Saturday afternoon.

"We do not know the circumstances that led the bees to come out and attack the workers," Ndou said.

One of the workers who escaped unharmed, George Kgori, 27, told Daily Sun he heard loud screams and decided to go out and investigate.

"I saw hundreds of angry bees. I did not know what to do, except run, like everyone else," Kgori.

The owner of the plot, Baulos van der Merwe, told Daily Sun the bees did not belong to him and he did not know who had put them there.

"It is sad what happened, but it was an accident that could have happened anywhere.

"I am stunned by the death of Smaka and I am willing to help her family with the burial," said Van der Merwe.

- Daily Sun