adminMatabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe confirmed the incident that occurred at Ntabanethe village on Wednesday.
“On the fateful day, Silethemba Nyoni was preparing food when the grass-thatched kitchen roof collapsed on her and caught fire,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
He said within minutes, the hut was engulfed in flames and she was trapped inside.
Insp Dzirutwe said the incident was discovered by the now deceased’s 24-year-old cousin, Miss Sibonginkosi Khumalo, who also resided at Number 2 Ntabanethe village under Chief Sigola area.
“She made efforts to rescue her cousin, who was trapped under the roof of the burning hut but the door had already caught fire and it was difficult for her to access the room,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
He said the cousin then alerted neighbours.
“After she realised she could not rescue the deceased she screamed to raise alarm and the villagers rushed to the scene and tried to put out the fire,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
He said unfortunately it was too late to rescue the deceased given the intensity of the fire. Insp Dzirutwe said the now deceased was burnt beyond recognition and her charred remains were only removed from the hut after the fire had died down.
“A post-mortem was waived by Esigodini resident magistrate Lungile Ncube,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
He said investigations were under way to ascertain circumstances leading to the death of the 17-year-old.
“We would like to urge members of the public to make regular checks of their roofs,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
Online Reporter