Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
WHAT was meant to be a quiet night of studying for end-of-term examinations ended in unimaginable tragedy when six girls aged between six and 16 were killed after fire razed a seven-room house in Bamhamire Village, Chipinge, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The victims had remained behind while relatives travelled to Chiredzi for a church service, choosing to spend the weekend preparing for examinations that were due to begin on Monday.
Instead, the fire that tore through the Pferedzai family home around 2am claimed six young lives and left an entire community in mourning.
The deceased were identified as Linece Pferedzai (14), Lisa Pferedzai (10), Nyasha Sithole (16), Princess Mutisi (6), Sarudzai Njayinjayi (16) and Velarida Mandongwe (7).
The victims included two daughters of St Luke Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church leader, Archbishop Phillip Pferedzai, his two granddaughters and two relatives of his wife.
Government has granted the six girls State-assisted burial status, with Doves Funeral Services engaged to assist with funeral arrangements.
Family spokesperson, Mr Osbrain Pferedzai, said relatives were attending a church gathering in Chiredzi when news of the disaster reached them.
“We were at a church service where our father, Archbishop Pferedzai, had been invited. Around 3am, we received a call informing us that my brother Blessing’s house was on fire.
“The people who called said they could not locate some of the children. At first, we only knew that Nyasha and Sarudzai had slept in the house. It was later established that four other girls were also inside, bringing the total number to six,” he said.
Mr Pferedzai said a boy who had spent part of the evening watching soccer at the house narrowly escaped becoming another victim.
The boy reportedly fell asleep while watching television, but was awakened around midnight by Nyasha, who asked whether he intended to spend the night there or return home.
“He decided to go home. Had he remained behind, he could also have perished in the fire,” said Mr Pferedzai.
Before leaving, the boy allegedly heard Nyasha saying she was hungry and wanted to prepare rice because dinner had been too salty.
According to the family, neighbours noticed unusual flickering lights shortly before the blaze erupted.
As they rushed to investigate, the house was already engulfed in flames.
“There was a loud explosion accompanied by blue flames. The force blew out the windows and roof as people tried to get closer,” said Mr Pferedzai.
The inferno destroyed household property, clothing and furniture, leaving virtually nothing salvageable.
Homeowner, Mr Blessing Pferedzai, said all six girls had initially been expected to travel with the family to Chiredzi, but requested permission to remain behind and study.
“Everyone was supposed to travel with us, but the girls asked to stay because examinations were beginning on Monday. After discussing it, we agreed,” he said.
Mr Pferedzai said the family had lost everything in the blaze.
“I lost all my household property and money. The furniture alone was worth about R500 000, but that pales in comparison to the lives we have lost. Nothing can replace these children.”
Archbishop Pferedzai said the bodies were burnt beyond recognition and that the family was awaiting DNA results before finalising burial arrangements.
“My daughters, Linece and Lisa, will be buried at the family cemetery, while my granddaughters, Nyasha and Princess, will be laid to rest at their respective parental homes. The other two girls will also be buried by their families,” he said.
“It is difficult to accept, but God gave and God has taken. We cannot question His will. However, as a family, we are deeply hurt and grieving.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragedy and said investigations into the cause of the fire were continuing.
Police are also awaiting DNA test results to conclusively establish the identities of the victims.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza visited the bereaved family early this week and conveyed Government’s condolences.
Describing the deaths as heart-breaking, Advocate Mugadza assured the family of support during the difficult period.
“To the family and all those mourning, please know that you are not alone. Government and the community stand firmly with you during this painful time and will provide every possible support as you navigate this tragedy and begin the healing process,” he said.
Six girls die studying for exams
