adminActing police spokesperson for Midlands Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arson that occurred on Monday night at Musekwa village under Chief Mataruse.
Asst Insp Mahoko identified the two children who died in the inferno as Pretty Kangausaru (6) and her step-brother, Nigel Hungwe (2).
“The two year-old boy, Nigel Hungwe was burnt beyond recognition while his six-year-old sister Pretty Kangausaru who sustained severe burns in the fire died on admission to hospital. Their mother, Ms Lydia Mangena escaped unhurt,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
He said police have since launched a manhunt for Ms Mangena’s boyfriend, Desire Dhewa (26) from the same village, who went into hiding following the incident.
Asst Insp Mahoko said on the fateful day, Dhewa who had a misunderstanding with Ms Mangena resulting in the two’s affair going sour, visited the single mother’s homestead during the night intending to re-engage her. “When he arrived at Ms Mangena’s homestead at about 10pm she had retired to bed together with her two children. Dhewa proceeded to her bedroom hut and knocked on the door,” he said.
Asst Insp Mahoko said when Ms Mangena refused to open the door, Dhewa threatened to burn down the hut while at the same time, attempting to forcibly open the locked door.
“On sensing the danger, Ms Mangena then managed to get out of her bedroom hut through the window. When she got out of the hut and realised that the roof was on fire, she screamed for help but
Dhewa chased after her but she managed to escape,” he said.
Asst Insp Mahoko said some villagers who heard the screams for help later rushed to the scene. “When they arrived at the homestead, the boy, Nigel Hungwe had already died and the villagers managed to rescue his sister, Pretty who had sustained severe burns. Pretty later died the following morning on admission to Mnene District Hospital,” he said.
“Nigel’s remains and Pretty’s body are at Mnene District Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.”
Asst Insp Mahoko appealed to members of the public with information that might lead to the arrest of the fugitive Dhewa to approach any nearest police station. “Police are keen to interview Dhewa who disappeared following the incident. Members of the public who can assist with information leading to his arrest can approach any nearest police station,” he said.
Online Reporter