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Thupeyo Muleya–Beitbridge Bureau
A dark cloud engulfed Beitbridge town after two sisters were burnt to death when the house they were sleeping in caught fire in the Vhembe-view suburb early yesterday.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and the police are still investigating the matter.
It is reported that tragedy struck when the Chapasuka sisters were sleeping in their rented house at around 1 am.
The fire was noticed by neighbours who rushed to the scene and extinguished it, but unfortunately the two had been extensively burnt.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident last night.
He identified the deceased as Everjoy Chapasuka (30) and Sandra Chapasuka whose age is not known at this stage, who were biological sisters.
The two women, he said, were staying with Phillani Mkothamo who is married to one of them.
“We are still investigating the matter,” said Chief Supt Nyongo.
“However, initial indications are that on March 7, at around 2000 hours, Mkothamo left the two women at home went to Mashavire Business Centre.
“Later on the following morning around 0045 hours, a neighbour was bathing at his house when he heard an explosion sound”.
He said the neighbour then to investigate the source of the explosion.
He noticed a flame coming out of the now deceased’s cottage and called out some neighbours to put out the fire.
Chief Supt Nyongo said Mkothamo was then informed via the telephone about the fire incident.
“The matter was also reported to the police who also alerted the Beitbridge Fire Brigade which swiftly responded.
The fire was eventfully put out in the room where the two women had been sleeping, but unfortunately the two women had died,” he said.
The door to the room was completely burnt and the roof to the room had curved in.
He said the two women’s mortal remains were found lying in corner of the room and they had been burnt beyond recognition.
Chief Supt Nyongo said the bodies were left in their position at the scene as they waited for the arrival of forensic experts to ascertain the cause of fire.
“Further investigations into the matter are underway,” he said.
When our news crew arrived at the scene they were met with distraught faces of neighbours who were consoling Mkothamo.
The police had also cordoned off the sceneas they waited for the arrival of forensic experts.
The incident comes a few weeks after a raging fire destroyed theatre equipment, and infrastructure worth and estimated US$3,5 million at the Beitbridge district referral hospital.
The inferno which started in the recovery room, destroyed most of the consumables in the 20 rooms and the theatre was damaged by the smoke.
The 140-bed hospital is a referral centre for nearly 300 000 residents under the town and rural components of the districts.
Full story: www.herald.co.zw
In addition, it caters for close to 15 000 people in transit through the Beitbridge border post daily and scores of patients from neighbouring Gwanda, Mberengwa and Mwenezi districts.
It is also understood that the hospital authorities conduct 350 baby deliveries monthly with 30 being done through the caesarean.
On daily basis, the medical staff carry out five small theatre operations.
Online Reporter