adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
AN elderly couple from Gutu was burnt beyond recognition when a hut they were sleeping in caught fire. Masvingo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna said the incident happened on Thursday at around 3am. He identified the couple as 84-year-old Chenjerai Gozhere and his wife Pesina of Manoro Village, Headman Magombedze under Chief Nyamande.
Their remains were taken to Gutu Mission Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
“I can confirm receiving a case to the effect that an elderly couple from Gutu was burnt beyond recognition when a hut they were sleeping in caught fire. Police are still investigating the case. Their bodies were taken to the hospital mortuary for postmortem,” said Asst Insp Nduna.
According to villagers, the couple retired to bed on Wednesday at around 7pm using a torch for light.
“They went to bed together with other family members who also got into their respective huts,” said a villager who asked not to be named.
She said in the wee hours of the night, the couple’s daughter-in-law who was sleeping together with her husband heard some sounds outside.
“Concilia Sonde, their daughter-in-law, who was sleeping with her husband, Anatio Gozhere, heard strange noises from outside. She alerted her husband and they went out to investigate at around 3am.
“They discovered that Chenjerai’s bedroom hut was already in flames but the roof had not yet caved in. The couple rushed to alert neighbours when upon their return they found that the thatched roof had collapsed. Together with neighbours, the pair successfully put out the fire but the couple had already been burnt beyond recognition,” said the villager.
A report was made to the police who attended the scene and took the bodies to the mortuary.
“Investigations are in progress to figure out the source of the fire,” Asst Insp Nduna said.
Online Reporter