A 29-year-old woman from Zhombe, Midlands Province, narrowly escaped death after her house was deliberately set on fire in what police are describing as a brutal act of arson. The horrifying incident took place on the night of June 16 at Empress Business Centre, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the woman, identified as Phumuzile Kufaulele, was inside her home when her alleged boyfriend, Nyasha Chaza (29), arrived and launched a deadly attack. Chaza, a resident of Samambwa village in Empress, Zhombe, reportedly visited Kufaulele’s residence late at night after a heated confrontation earlier that day.
“The two had been seen earlier during the day arguing, with Chaza threatening to harm Kufaulele,” Mahoko said in a statement. “Later that evening, Chaza poured petrol on the door of Kufaulele’s house and set it alight.”
Kufaulele, who had already retired to bed by the time Chaza arrived, found herself trapped inside the burning home. In a desperate bid to escape, the woman attempted to open the door, but was severely burnt in the process as flames engulfed the entrance.
Mahoko said Kufaulele was only saved thanks to the swift action of a concerned neighbour. “She was rescued by her neighbour, who extinguished the fire before managing to open the door,” he explained. “The victim sustained serious burn injuries and was rushed to Kadoma Hospital where she is currently admitted and receiving medical treatment.”
Woman survives arson attack
The woman’s condition is reported to be critical, but she is alive — a fact being hailed as nothing short of a miracle considering the ferocity of the fire. Photos of the scene, which have since circulated on social media, show extensive fire damage to the property, a grim reminder of how close the woman came to losing her life.
Police have since launched a manhunt for Nyasha Chaza, who is currently on the run. Authorities are appealing to members of the public with any information that could lead to his arrest to come forward immediately.
“We are calling for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect Chaza,” Mahoko said. “Anyone who may know his whereabouts should report to the nearest police station.”
The motive for the attack is believed to be linked to a domestic dispute, a growing concern in communities where gender-based violence continues to affect women disproportionately. Human rights advocates have since weighed in on the incident, calling for urgent action to address violence against women in intimate relationships.
“This case underscores the serious threat that some women face in their own homes, often at the hands of people they once trusted,” said a representative from a local women’s rights organisation. “More needs to be done to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Residents in Zhombe expressed shock and anger at the attack, with many calling for harsher penalties for gender-based violence and arson-related crimes. Some say the incident is a wake-up call for communities to be more proactive in resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.
“It’s heartbreaking. That woman could have died,” said one local resident. “We need more education and awareness around how to deal with relationship issues without resorting to violence.”
As investigations continue, Kufaulele remains in hospital, fighting to recover from the physical and emotional trauma of the attack. Her family has since thanked the neighbour who saved her life and has called for justice to be served.
Meanwhile, the police urge anyone with leads on Chaza’s whereabouts to contact their nearest station or use the national tip-off lines. “We will not rest until he is brought to justice,” said Inspector Mahoko.
The shocking incident has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the vulnerability of women in abusive relationships, and the urgent need for stronger interventions to prevent such acts from occurring in the future.
Source –newsday
