Tendai Muererwa
NYANGA – A 97 year old woman from Nyamapere Village under Chief Katerere in Nyanga died after being caught in a veld fire while collecting grass in preparation for the rainy season.
The deceased, identified as Letty Matore, reportedly left home at around noon on October 20 to cut grass, carrying a metal tin containing charcoal. Acting Manicaland province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying Matore’s family became concerned when she failed to return home by the evening.
Her son Charles Towa reportedly began searching for her after waiting until around 6pm without seeing her return, when he noticed that his mother had not returned home by 6pm he proceeded to the field to look for her, but he could not find her.
Other villagers later joined the search, but their efforts on the first day were unsuccessful leaving the family uncertain about Matore’s whereabouts.
The search took a tragic turn on October 21 when her daughter in law, Laina Matore (57) discovered the elderly woman’s body in the field. On October 21, Laina Matore discovered granny Matore’s body, which had been severely burnt.
A report was made to Ruwangwe Police Station, who attended the scene. The deceased had sustained severe burns to her legs, hands, face and buttocks while the metal tin she had been carrying was recovered nearby.
The circumstances surrounding the fire highlight the risks associated with veld fires, particularly during periods of high temperatures and dry vegetation, when flames can spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
Veld fires pose a threat to human life, livestock, crops, homes and natural vegetation. In rural communities, where people regularly travel through fields to collect grass, gather firewood and carry out other livelihood activities, uncontrolled fires can create dangerous conditions.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the need for communities to take precautions when working in fields and other areas where dry grass and vegetation can easily catch fire. Police urged members of the public to avoid starting fires during the hot season, warning against practices that could lead to the uncontrolled spread of flames.
