7 perish in different fire accidents over one week...

7 perish in different fire accidents over one weekend

Fire guts Great Zimbabwe heritage site - Bulawayo24 News

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating fire incidents that happened over the weekend leaving seven people dead in separate incidents.

In the first incident, four family members died in a fire incident that occurred at Mafararikwa Village, Marange, on Saturday at about 0400 hours.

National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the death of Tonderai Muchimwe,43, Ashton Mundoko,12, Quinton Mundoko,7, and Tamari Mundoko and Mundoko,5, and the injury of a female juvenile, Takunda Mundoko,14.

“On July 29, 2023at about 0000 hours, Tonderai Muchimwe broke into the room in which his niece, Violet Muchimwe,35, Quinton and Tamari Mundoko were sleeping.

“Tonderai Muchimwe who was armed with a knife demanded to have sexual intercourse with his niece, leading to a scuffle.

“Violet Muchimwe fled leaving her children behind. Tonderai Muchimwe sprinkled petrol in the house and set the house on fire. As a result, Tonderai Muchimwe, Ashton, Quinton and Tamari were burnt beyond recognition whilst Takunda Mundoko sustained burns all over the body after escaping out of the room through the window.

“In a related incident, the ZRP is investigating circumstances surrounding the death of Emily Kamugiya,65, Letina Chimuka,70, and Maxwell Josi,12, after the thatched bedroom they were sleeping in was set on fire by an unknown suspect on Sunday at Chitimbe Village, Muzarabani.

“The police established that Letina was staying with other victims after being chased away by her son from the St Alberts area on allegations of witchcraft in which she was said to be causing the illness of her grandchild.

“Investigations conducted by the police so far have not linked the two fire incidents to political violence,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.

Meanwhile, the ZRP reiterates that investigations are still in progress in relation to Brighton Mazhindu’s report at ZRP St Mary’s and another report by Leonard Kasanhai of Musonza Village A, Chiweshe, over malicious damage to property by suspects who are yet to be identified.

The ZRP also confirms six reports from Hanke area, Tongogara, Shurugwi where the complainants, with some not inclined towards any political party, had their ten houses burnt on Saturday during the night.

The ZRP has so far arrested Edson Madhuveko and Edwin Madhuveko in connection with this case. The two suspects were seen running away from the burnt huts scene.

The police warns criminal elements who are taking advantage of the current election mood in the country to settle marital and family scores that the law ruthlessly deals with.

On the other hand, the ZRP warns political parties to counsel supporters and resolve either inter-party or intra-party disputes without resorting to violence.