Woman Sets Family Home Ablaze, Killing Mother

A tragic and shocking incident has rocked the quiet community of Chimanimani after a woman, reportedly intoxicated, allegedly set fire to her family’s kitchen hut, resulting in the death of her 72-year-old mother, Norah Mukonya. The horrifying act has left villagers stunned, as the incident has been described as both senseless and deeply heartbreaking.

According to police and local sources, the suspect, Sekai Mukonya (44), is believed to have committed the act while under the influence of alcohol following a domestic dispute. She has since been arrested and charged with murder.

Norah Mukonya, the victim, had been crippled by a stroke and was unable to escape from the flames when the fire broke out. Her husband, 79-year-old John Mukonya, narrowly escaped with his life. Sadly, efforts to rescue Norah were in vain, as the hut was quickly consumed by flames.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations into the motive behind the deadly arson are ongoing. “We can confirm that the suspect, Sekai Mukonya, has been taken into custody and charged with murder following the incident which occurred on the evening of July 3, 2025. The body of the deceased has been taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for post-mortem as investigations continue.”

Though police have yet to officially determine a motive, local villagers have painted a picture of a strained relationship between Sekai and her parents. According to residents familiar with the family, Sekai had a history of confrontations with her elderly parents and often blamed them for the hardships and misfortunes she faced in her life.

Drunken Rage Turns Deadly: Chimanimani Woman Sets Family Hut Ablaze, Killing Elderly Mother

“It wasn’t the first time she argued with them,” said one villager who requested anonymity. “the woman always accused her parents of bringing bad luck into her life. Many in the village have seen her shout at them in public, especially after drinking.”

On the night of the fatal incident, the woman reportedly returned home around 8 PM, visibly drunk after spending the evening drinking at a nearby bar. Upon entering the homestead, she found her mother Norah and father John sitting together in their kitchen hut, a traditional thatched structure common in rural Zimbabwean homes.

According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, Sekai suddenly announced that she was going to burn the hut down. Before anyone could react, she grabbed a burning log from the fireplace, stormed outside, and set the hut’s thatched roof on fire.

John Mukonya managed to escape the flames, but Norah, due to her physical condition, was trapped inside. In a desperate attempt to save her, John called for help from their son, Boniface Mukonya, who lives nearby. Unfortunately, by the time Boniface arrived, the entire hut had already been engulfed in flames, and Norah was beyond rescue.

The devastating incident was immediately reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Cashel Valley. Officers quickly responded to the scene, where they arrested Sekai Mukonya. The charred remains of Norah were later retrieved and taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The tragedy has sent ripples of sorrow and anger throughout Chimanimani, with many residents expressing disbelief over the gruesome act. “We are still trying to process this,” said a neighbour. “It’s something we never expected. How could anyone do that to their own mother?”

Mental health experts have pointed out that the case could highlight deeper issues related to substance abuse, unresolved family trauma, and possibly untreated psychological disorders. However, those close to the family insist that regardless of Sekai’s struggles, nothing justifies the horrific death of an elderly, disabled woman.

As investigations continue, the woman is expected to appear in court soon, where she will face formal charges. Authorities have also urged the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.

In the meantime, the Mukonya family and the wider Chimanimani community are left to mourn a tragic loss that could have been avoided — a life ended not by natural causes, but by an alleged act of rage and cruelty within the family home.