Tendai Muererwa
​MUTARE – A heart wrenching tragedy has struck the community of St Joseph’s Park in Chikanga 3 Mutare following the painful death of a dedicated father who laid down his life to save his loved ones in the early hours of Tuesday November 3 2026.
​The deceased Gift Chimbidzayi a respected employee at St Joseph’s Hospital, lost his life under devastating circumstances after a terrifying fire engulfed his family home around 1:00 AM.
​Demonstrating immense courage during the sudden inferno, Chimbidzayi woke up to the flames and selflessly guided his wife and four children through the blinding smoke and fire to safety. However, overwhelmed by a father’s protective instinct, he bravely re-entered the burning structure to check if anyone had been left behind in the confusion. Tragically, while inside, the engulfed roof gave in and collapsed on him, trapping him within the blaze.
​Adding to the anguish of the grieving community, the Mutare Fire Brigade reportedly arrived almost two hours after at around 3:00 AM with an inadequate supply of water. The firefighters were forced to leave the scene to fetch more water rendering early efforts to save Chimbidzayi completely futile.
​Manicaland province acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the sorrowful incident, stating that police details remain on the ground conducting investigations. He added that the victim’s remains were yet to be retrieved from the rubble as authorities work carefully at the site.
​The cause of the fatal inferno remains unknown, leaving a grieving family and a shocked community mourning the heroic yet heartbreaking loss of a man who gave everything to protect those he loved.
