A Chimanimani family has been plunged into mourning after losing three children below the age of five in a tragic fire incident this Monday. The tragic incident befell the Gonouya family of Chikona Village in Chimanimani District after the children were left alone by their grandmother who had gone to a nearby garden.

“We are mourning the death of my three granddaughters who were burnt to death. Their grandmother had gone to the garden as usual when the three started experimenting with matchsticks which eventually led to the fire. They were trapped inside a hut-thatched bathroom,” said the grandfather, Mr Luckmore Gonouya.

“I went out to the garden just as I always do, not knowing that my grandchildren knew where I had placed the matchstick box. This is the first time that they played with fire. I always go to the garden and leave them playing. I only got to know of the tragic incident when their playmate rushed to me on my way back from the garden,” narrated the bereaved grandmother, Sophia Chihota.

It is too much pain to bear for the mother of two of the three children who lost their lives in a cruel fashion, Mrs Letwin Gonouya.

“I can’t describe the pain that I am feeling right now. I have lost two children all at once and I can’t imagine the suffering they went through being burnt by fire. I have lost two and my sister-in-law has also lost her daughter. It’s a sad moment for our family,” she said.

Village head Mr Gladman Chinhawa is equally shocked by the incident which has left many at a loss of words.

“We are very disturbed by this incident. As village head, I will lead in our traditional customs to inquire why such an incident has occurred to us,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police gave further details on the incident.

“The ZRP confirms a fire incident in which two female juveniles aged four and one-year-six months died on the spot, while another female juvenile aged three died upon admission at Mutare Hospital after one of the victims lit fire which razed a grass-thatched bathroom to ashes at Chikona Village, Chimanimani this Monday,”

“The victims had been left playing by their grandmother who had gone to the garden. The bodies of the victims were taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for post mortem whilst the injured victim is admitted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare,” said ZRP National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The bodies have since been taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for post-mortem before burial.

In other news – Kadoma businessman in land scam

A Kadoma-based businessman has been arrested for allegedly stealing land and property through numerous fake companies he created. Believe Guta (36) of Coal Estate, Kadoma, was arraigned before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Monday this week.

Guta, who was being represented by Lovemore Madhuku, was remanded in custody while awaiting ruling on a remand placement application submitted by his lawyer. Read More