Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A HEADLANDS tobacco farmer has been left counting his losses after a mysterious fire razed his kitchen hut in the early hours of yesterday morning.
It destroyed property worth over US$2,000, including tobacco, which was ready for the market.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred in the Nyahanga B area of Headlands.
He said the police have since opened investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said the complainant, Nzwisisai Kamwendo (39), retired to bed together with his wife, Martha Kenfas (33), on Saturday.
“On the same day, at around 0400 hours, the complainant woke up and discovered that his kitchen hut was on fire.
“He alerted villagers by screaming for help and they responded by trying to extinguish the fire using water, but their efforts were unsuccessful,” he said.
He added:
“Property that was destroyed includes six pots, 20 plastic plates, two 20-litre plastic buckets, 20 plastic cups, one pushing tray, three electric inverters, two 50kg bags of maize, one speaker, four plastic dishes and 630 kilogrammes of tobacco.
“A report was made to the police and officers from ZRP Headlands attended the scene and observed the debris.
“Investigations are still in progress.”
Ass Insp Chinyoka urged members of the public to exercise caution to prevent fire outbreaks.
“We continue to urge members of the public to ensure that all fire sources such as stoves, candles and electrical appliances are properly secured before going to sleep.
“Communities should also have basic fire response measures in place to minimise damage when such incidents occur.”
He said open flames remain one of the leading causes of domestic fires, particularly in rural areas where candles, firewood and paraffin lamps are commonly used for lighting and cooking.
Mathew Masinge