MILLICENT HUNGWE
MWENEZI–A 71-year-old man from Village 1, Mutasa area in Limpugia Range under Chief Neshuro, tragically lost his life after he was burnt to death by a bolt of fire while clearing his field for the forthcoming season.
The unfortunate incident happened on September 16 around 2pm.
According to ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, the deceased, Shadreck Mutasa, who lived alone, had been unwell and reportedly complained of headaches and fatigue just a day before the tragedy.
His neighbour, Pilot Samuel Mangena (43), had last visited Mutasa on the morning of September 15 to check on him, as he regularly did.
Later that same day around 4pm, Mutasa was seen clearing his field using fire, a common practice in rural farming communities.
It is believed that during the burning process, he may have inhaled excessive smoke, which possibly rendered him unconscious, leading to him being caught in the fire.
The grim discovery was made on September 17 around 8am by another villager, Tichaona Siguma (45), who had gone to Mutasa’s home to hire a donkey.
After failing to locate him, he teamed up with Mangena to search for him. The search ended in horror when they found Mutasa’s lifeless, charred body in the field.
Police attended the scene, and his remains were taken to Neshuro District Hospital mortuary.
Mutasa is survived by two wives, 17 children and several grandchildren.
