Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
AN 84-year-old man from Dorowa lost his life after being trapped in a veld fire he had allegedly lit to clear dry grass around his homestead.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, which occurred on July 21, in Mupariri Village under Chief Nyashanu.
“Police are investigating a fatal veld fire incident which killed Fibion Munjoma (84), of Mupariri Village under Chief Nyashanu, Dorowa. He was trapped in a fire he had allegedly started while clearing dry grass around his homestead,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Munjoma had set alight dry vegetation near his cattle pen. “It is alleged that he started a fire near his cattle pen to clear dry grass around his homestead. While the fire was burning, strong winds suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to spread rapidly towards him,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said he tried to flee but was overcome by the blaze.
The incident was discovered by a fellow villager who alerted authorities.
“The body of the deceased was later discovered by Bodmas Mhurira (61), a fellow villager, who promptly reported the matter to ZRP Dorowa. Police attended the scene, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to take preventive measures before using fire to clear land.
