Chronicle Editor
Gibson Mhaka
A family from Nketa 8 suburb in Bulawayo is appealing for donations, including food, clothes, furniture and blankets, after a seven-roomed house that they were renting was gutted by a fire that reduced their property to ashes early last month.
Apostle Precious Takaidza, founder of Divine Touch Ministries Worldwide said nothing was salvaged during the inferno which occurred on 8 August at around 9m while they were praying in one of the rooms.
“As a family we lost everything from food, clothes, furniture and identity particulars. We were praying when the house went up in flames. We normally have morning prayers and while we were praying in the garage we heard neighbours shouting that the house was on fire.
“We only managed to remove a gas stand, stove, and one blanket. Church property including PA systems were also burnt.
“We don’t even know the cause of the fire because when it started everything was switched off except my phone which was on the charger in my daughter’s bedroom. We are, however, appealing for help in the form of clothes, food and furniture,” said Apostle Takaidza.
She suspected that the fire might have been ignited by faulty wiring.
“We suspected that the fire might have been ignited by faulty wiring, a Zesa power line connecting the house to the main line outside had been producing some sparks for three days before the incident occurred.
“As if that was not enough the owner of the house is demanding that we should repair it and I don’t know why he is saying that because the cause of the fire has not yet been established. We are also still waiting for a report from the Fire Brigade to determine the cause of the fire,” said Apostle Takaidza who has been staying at the house for seven years.
The owner is reportedly based outside the country.
As the appeal for help spread, Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) led by its founding president Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo sprang into action and is organising a fundraising campaign to help them get back on their feet.
“We came together as CCA bishops to see what really happened before and after the fire incident.
“The house was burnt to ashes and nothing was left out in the inferno. As CCA bishops we are coming forward asking for assistance so that the family gets back on their feet. Please nothing is too small to be given out when there is need.
“We are also appealing to the public, other churches, corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the family.
“We are, however, so disappointed with the delay of the report from the Fire Brigade that is needed to help the family determine the cause of the fire. This is because the owner of the house is demanding that they repair it. We are wondering how he wants them to fix the house when the cause of the fire is not yet known,” said Dr Moyo.
Well-wishers can get in touch with Apostle Takaidza on 0773380103
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