Millicent Hungwe
CHIPINGE- In a tragic incident that highlights the dangers of veld fires, a local woman, Vaina Tsapo, lost her life while bravely attempting to extinguish a fire threatening her community.
Under the Zimbabwean laws it is an offence not to help to put out a fire.
The incident occurred at around 1:30 PM in Tsazunza village, located under Chief Muusha in Chipinge on 30 September this year.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Tsapo rushed to assist her neighbor, 62-year-old Sevhi Ziyadhuma, whose homestead was in the path of the rapidly spreading blaze.
The two women courageously worked together in an effort to quell the flames, but the fire proved to be too intense.
As the fire advanced toward her own home, Tsapo made the selfless decision to return and protect her property.
Tragically, it was during this act of bravery that she was engulfed by the flames, succumbing to her injuries.
Tsapo’s body was ferried to Chipinge District Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
Chinyoka urged the public to be always careful when putting out raging fires during this fire season which is characterized by strong winds.
