Granny burned to death in veldt fire

John Murwira

Zim Now corrspondent

Following the death of a 74 year old woman in Kadoma, police has urged communities to structure fire committees that can coordinate responses during outbreaks so as to protect the vulnerable.

“This is a sad incident which happened while people were in a process of fulfilling a community responsibility. Though people have an obligation to put off veld fires, Police would like to urge communities to have fire committees in place. Such committees must avoid including the elderly since they are prone to be victims as they cannot match with speeds of veld fires,” said by Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kowhera in a statement announcing the death of Caritus Muchatibaya, 74 of Silverstar Village 2 Turf, Kadoma.

Police said Muchatibaya worked with fwlloe villagers to put off veld fire which started in their village grazing lands on Sunday, July 26.2024 in the afternoon.

The villagers managed to fight off the fire and retired to their homes. But it came back again and Muchatibaya’s garden was in the destruction path.

Muchatibaya and some close relatives rushed to save the garden but a sudden gust caught her at the garden gate. Although other villagers rushed to help the relatives, they could not rescue the elderly woman who was burnt beyond recognition.

ZRP Turf attended the scene and conveyed the body to a local parlour.

Insp Kowhera warned the public that uncontrolled fire is an offence and anyone found guilty of starting one will be prosecuted.

Zimbabwe sees much loss of human lives and property as well as destruction of flora and fauna during the hot months before the rain comes.