Edwin Moyo
Mvuma- Two separate fire incidents have resulted in the death of a 7 months old baby and a 21 year old man in Mvuma and Mberengwa and police are investigating the cases.
The first incident occurred on 11 May 2024 at around 1700 hours at Village 32, Chiwodza area in Mvuma. Deliwe Mapfumo where a woman (32) went to fetch water from a nearby well, leaving behind her two children, aged 7 months and 3 years.
The two were asleep in a hut. On her return she found Erica Machisa her female neighbour,(53) years and her son trying to put out fire which had engulfed her hut.
The fire was extensive such that people only managed to rescue the 3 year old toddler who had sustained severe burns while the infant died in the inferno.
The second incident occurred on 12 May 2024 at around 0300 hours at Village Maribha, Chief Mahlebadza, Mberengwa. Isaac Matsheza (71) was asleep in his bedroom hut with his son Tapiwa Matsheza (21) who had been drinking beer at Gaha Business Centre.
Later during the night unknown people set their thatched bedroom hut on fire. Isaac awoke, tried to alert his son but he failed to wake him up and Isaac escaped from the burning bedroom hut with serious burns all over the body.
Tapiwa was trapped inside and was burnt beyond recognition.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokersperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the injured were treated at Gwanda and Musume hospitals
“The two cases were reported to the police. Isaac Matsheza is currently receiving treatment at Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he is admitted while Tapiwa’s body was taken to Musume Mission Hospital,” Mahoko said.
