Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
A 76-YEAR-OLD Nyanga woman was burnt beyond recognition inside her kitchen hut.
She had been left sleeping after taking her medication.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident.
The deceased was identified as Juliana Chinhoi of Village 4, Zewa, under Chief Hata, in Nyanga.
“I confirm a case in which a 76-year-old woman was found burnt to death at her homestead in Zewa, Nyanga, on the morning of August 5.
“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
He said the elderly woman had been under the care of relatives as she was suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.
“On August 4, at around 8pm, Ivy Elizabeth Chapeta (18) was left by other family members to look after the now deceased.
“Earlier that evening, at around 6pm, Chapeta and her sister went to Juliana Chinhoi’s homestead to give her supper and medication.
“They found her seated near a fireplace inside her kitchen hut.
“After she had eaten, and taken her medication, they left her asleep in the hut before returning to their home,” he said.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said tragedy struck the following morning when the teenager returned to check on the elderly woman.
“At around 6am on August 5, Chapeta returned to the homestead and opened the door to the kitchen hut.
“She discovered that Juliana Chinhoi’s whole body had been severely burnt.
“She immediately informed her uncle, Albert Chapeta (45), of the same village, who made a report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Nyanga,” he said.
He said police officers attended the scene and commenced investigations.
“Police attended the scene and observed that the deceased had sustained severe burns all over the body.
“The body was taken to Nyanga District Hospital for a post-mortem examination, while the next of kin was notified,” he said.
