Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
AN apple does not fall far from the tree.
This is true about the late member of the Bulawayo Fire Brigade Fanyana Dick Shuluma (58) who succumbed to burns suffered while he was fighting an inferno at the National University of Science and Technology last month and his son Mr Todd Dick Shuluma, a firefighter based in Dubai.
In an interview with Chronicle, Mr Shuluma said his father, who died at Mater Dei Hospital two days after 65 percent of his body was burnt while on duty after 24 years of service, inspired him to be a firefighter.
Although his family suspects foul play in his father’s death, Mr Shuluma said they will accept the outcome of police investigations.
The matter took a new twist when retired Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Richard Peterson told Chronicle earlier that it is impossible for a firefighter of Mr Shuluma’s calibre who served for nearly a quarter of a century to have been burnt by a veld fire to the extent of dying.
Mr Peterson also said firefighters work as a team so he does not understand why his colleagues are saying they realised later that he was down.
Yesterday, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said investigations are still in progress.
In an interview with Chronicle, Mr Shuluma said the family will accept the outcome of the police investigation.
“An investigation is really necessary just like the former fire chief Peterson said. If foul play was involved I am sure the investigation will highlight that.
Whatever comes from the investigation, our family will accept it because we have put everything in God’s hands.
I know what happens during fire fighting and I know firefighters are not allowed to comment on anything without being given permission so it becomes hard for anyone to know what really transpired.
I hope the police will do a thorough investigation,” he said.
Mr Shuluma said his father inspired him to also be a firefighter.
He said his father’s passing broke his heart as he was looking forward to making him proud as a firefighter.
“I remember when I told him I wanted to be a firefighter just like him, he tried to help me get recruited at Bulawayo fire Brigade.
When I did not get a place there, he sold some of his property and omnibus so that I could get money to go and learn in South Africa under the International Fire Accreditation Congress.
When I passed I came back this side and worked and he helped get the proper documentation so that I could work in Dubai as a firefighter,” he said.
“My father was my inspiration to join firefighting. I have always wanted to make him proud. I thought we still had time together.
My sister called to inform me about my father’s death. I had hope that he would survive seeing he has been a firefighter for so long.
I am still in shock over his death. I do not think I will get over his death anytime soon.”
The Dubai-based firefighter said despite the way his father passed away he is still determined to be a good fighter.
“I am not going to be discouraged by the way my father passed on. I will continue as a firefighter.
I believe I am now fulfilling his legacy because he was a proud firefighter ever since he was young.
He was a hero among firefighters, he is a martyr and a brave man. He rescued a lot of victims from entrapments and saved many properties.
I want to walk in his shoes and make him a proud man,” said Mr Shuluma.
Online Reporter