The Eastview community in Harare is in shock following the tragic death of 47-year-old Sanisai Kandowe, who perished when a wooden cabin she was sleeping in caught Blaze late on the night of 25 August 2025. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:00 PM, has left neighbours, family, and local residents grappling with grief and raising urgent questions about fire safety in the area.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, authorities confirmed the fatal blaze and have launched an investigation into its cause. “The ZRP confirms a tragic fire incident which occurred on August 25, 2025, at around 2200 hours in Eastview, Harare,” Nyathi said.
Kandowe, who lived alone in the small wooden cabin, was found burnt beyond recognition when firefighters and police arrived at the scene. Neighbours reported seeing smoke billowing from the structure and immediately alerting authorities. Despite the prompt response from the fire services, the intensity of the flames prevented first responders from saving the victim.
The loss has plunged Kandowe’s family and the Eastview community into mourning. Friends and neighbours describe her as a quiet and hardworking woman who was deeply involved in the neighbourhood. Many recall her willingness to help others and her active participation in local community activities. “She was always looking out for those around her,” said one neighbour who preferred to remain anonymous. “It is heartbreaking that she is gone in such a tragic way.”
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear. Police have not yet confirmed whether it was caused by an electrical fault, unattended cooking appliances, or another source. “Investigations are ongoing, and we are examining all possibilities,” said Commissioner Nyathi. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and ensure that their homes are equipped with fire safety measures, particularly in densely populated areas where wooden structures are common.
Local residents have expressed concern over the risk of fires in Eastview, citing aging electrical wiring, open flames, and poorly maintained structures as potential hazards. Many have called on local authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns and provide support for fire prevention initiatives. “Fires in our community have become a real concern,” said another neighbour. “We need proper awareness and emergency plans to prevent more lives from being lost.”
The tragedy has also prompted discussions about blaze safety infrastructure in Harare. Emergency services often face challenges accessing informal settlements or densely built areas, delaying response times and exacerbating the damage caused by fires. Firefighters at the Eastview scene confirmed that narrow streets and obstructed access made it difficult to control the blaze quickly.
Eastview Residents Mourn After Woman Dies in Cabin Blaze
Family members of Kandowe are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss. Close relatives described her as a devoted mother and community member who brought warmth and support to those around her. Her death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, with many expressing sorrow at the abrupt nature of the tragedy. “She was a kind and generous soul,” said a family spokesperson. “Her passing is a tremendous loss for all of us.”
Authorities have reassured the public that they are committed to determining the cause of the blaze and preventing similar incidents in the future. Investigators will examine the cabin’s electrical wiring, the presence of combustible materials, and any other factors that could have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
In the meantime, local leaders and community organizations are calling for increased fire safety education. They emphasize that residents should have functional fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and evacuation plans. Small steps, they argue, could prevent future tragedies and save lives.
The death of Sanisai Kandowe serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by blaze in residential areas, particularly in structures made of flammable materials. As the Eastview community mourns, authorities and residents alike are urged to take practical measures to enhance fire safety and reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
The investigation into the Eastview cabin blaze is ongoing, with police pledging to provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, neighbours, family, and the broader Harare community are left to grapple with the grief of a life lost far too soon, highlighting the urgent need for stronger fire prevention and safety awareness across the city.
Source- Bulawayo24
