Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
A 33-year-old mother and her 14-year-old daughter were burnt to death after the hut in which they were sleeping was gutted by fire in Shurugwi in the early hours of Monday.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the fatal incident.
“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two people at Village 5, Dombojena area, on 4 August 2026 at about 12.20am,” he said.
Inspector Mahoko said the deceased have been identified as Onismo Ncube and her daughter, Thabolihle Dube.
“It is alleged that at around 12.20am, Mr Admire Mabveku (45), of Umcima 49 Mine in Shurugwi, heard cries coming from the homestead, which is near the mine. He rushed to the scene and discovered that two huts were on fire,” he said.
Inspector Mahoko said Mr Mabveku alerted other residents, who tried to extinguish the blaze.
However, they were unable to do so as the roofs had already collapsed and both huts were engulfed by flames.
“Police attended the scene and found both huts burnt to ashes. The bodies of the two victims were retrieved from the inferno,” he said.
Inspector Mahoko appealed to members of the public who may have information on what caused the fire to contact Shurugwi Police Station to assist with investigations.
