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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
TWO people from Chiredzi have appeared in court on culpable homicide charges after one of their gas cylinders developed a leakage causing a fire leak that resulted in the death of four people and injured several others.
The court heard that Fambidzanai Zvabva (39) and Mafanele Garfield Hlomani (26) were selling LPG illegally and on December 29, 2023 their gas cylinders developed a leakage causing a fire.
As a result of the incident, five people sustained deep burns and had to be hospitalised and four of them died as a result of the injuries.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, investigations revealed that the two established a gas cylinder cage and put up gas cylinders at their business premises without the requisite permits or licenses.
The court heard that the operation, which commenced between 2022 and 2023, was conducted in violation of local regulations and safety standards.
The state alleged that the duo’s failure to adhere to these requirements created a significant risk of harm to the public.
Furthermore, Zvabva and Hlomani did not obtain the requisite permits or licenses from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), local authorities or other relevant authorities, as stipulated by law.
The matter will return to court tomorrow for continuation of trial.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu