adminAdelaide Moyo Chronicle Reporter
AN 85-year-old Gwayi woman was burnt beyond recognition on Wednesday night while sleeping in her bedroom hut as other family members were having supper in the kitchen. Lizie Luphahla of Mazwa village died at around 8PM after her family failed to put out the fire. A burning candle is suspected to have fallen, igniting the inferno.
Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland North province assistant Inspector Mandlenkosi Ndlovu confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that we received a report about a woman who was burnt beyond recognition. Her family members gave her supper in her hut and left the light on while they were in the kitchen,” he said.
Luphahla’s grandchild Thabo Ncube told The Chronicle property in her grandmother’s room was reduced to ashes.
“It was around 8PM when we were seated in the kitchen having supper when suddenly we heard a huge explosion coming from our grandmother’s bedroom. My sibling had taken her supper and left the candle on,” he said.
“I believe the candle fell and ignited other parts of the property and she could not move or scream for help.”
Efforts to put out the fire were unsuccessful.
“We then tried to break the wall so that we could at least remove her from the house. Sadly, we could not even see her,” Ncube said.
Luphahla’s body was taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary after a police report.
Shocked mourners are gathered at Luphahla’s rural home and she will be buried today.
She is survived by four grandchildren.
Online Reporter