Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have appealed to the public for information to help identify a woman who died in a house fire in Iminyela suburb early Monday night.
The woman, believed to be about 35 years old, was burnt beyond recognition after a house caught fire at about 3.20am, with police confirming that her identity remains unknown.
The fire also left a 43-year-old man seriously injured.
According to police, the man was at his Iminyela home with the woman on Sunday night when they used a candle to light the room.
The two later fell asleep while the candle was still burning, resulting in the house catching fire.
Police said the man woke up at about 3.20am and discovered that the room had been engulfed in flames.
He managed to escape from the house but was unable to rescue the woman who remained trapped inside.
He then sought assistance from neighbours, who alerted the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
“When checking the house, they found the now deceased severely burnt and showing no signs of life,” police said in a statement.
A police report was subsequently made and the woman’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem and identification, while the injured man was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical attention.
Police are now appealing to anyone with a female relative who is missing and is approximately 35 years old to come forward.
Members of the public with information have been urged to contact ZRP West Commonage on 0292 2403998 or visit the United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for body identification.
Police also urged residents to exercise caution when using candles and other open flames.
“Never leave it burning, unattended or sleep while it is lit as this can result in devastating house fires or loss of lives,” police said.
