Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A renowned crops and livestock farmer in Beitbridge, Mr Joseph Ndou Kutiraya, was left counting losses on Monday after sustaining burns and losing property worth thousands of dollars during a fire that reduced his house in Tshapfutshe village to ashes.
Mr Kutiraya, who is one of the major suppliers of fresh farm produce in Beitbridge town, is admitted at Beitbridge district hospital after sustaining mild burns on the upper part of his body.
He said the fire broke out around 1 am in the room with his major solar power system installations.
“I managed to evacuate my wife and children, but then I got burns on my hands and upper part of the body when I tried to retrieve some critical documents and other valuables from the house,” said Mr Kutiraya.
“I am happy with the service here and the doctors have indicated that I am out of danger. I am happy that no life was lost during the fire, but this is a huge loss to my family.”
Mr Kutiraya, who a few years ago operated a bus company, Kutiraya Travel, before diversifying to farming, said he was rushed to the hospital by relatives while members of the community and the Municipality of Beitbridge officials collaborated to put out the flames.
He said the total value of the destroyed goods will be known at a later stage. According to Mr Kutiraya, the fire originated from the solar system installations in one of the rooms before rapidly spreading to the rest of the house.
“I want to extend my gratitude to all those who helped my family during this devastating incident,” he said.
