Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Writer
A mysterious fire that has relentlessly swept through Mfanisoni Village in Nkuba, Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, has left the community baffled and terrified.
In just two harrowing weeks, three homesteads — all belonging to the Gumede family — have been reduced to shells. The fire that is stalking the family, starts without warning and for 75-year-old widower Mr Herod Gumede, the ordeal has been nothing short of a nightmare.
Day after day, he and his family helplessly watch flames consume their homes, belongings and memories.
“The fire just starts, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, without warning. We put it out and the next day it comes back. Even the things we take outside for safety end up being consumed by the ravaging inferno,” said Mr Gumede, shaking his head in disbelief.
Since the first blaze on 15 July, seven houses have been destroyed, including zinc-roofed houses. The flames have also destroyed furniture, clothes, critical documents and even community donations meant to help the family recover.
What bewilders everyone is the nature of the fire. Witnesses say it often starts from the rooftop of the grass thatched huts and burns downwards, sometimes moving against the wind.
“On one occasion, it started burning the Gumede family’s field fence, yet, as if guided, did not spread to neighbouring fields even in strong winds.
The affected homesteads belong to Mr Gumede and his son, Mr Xolani Gumede (38), a member of the security forces. Xolani’s old homestead, built during his first marriage, was the first to burn. Since then, the blazes have struck both his and his father’s properties, sometimes more than once on the same day.
Fear now grips the family that the fire could claim lives. Last week, flames reached the wheelchair of Mr Gumede’s disabled youngest daughter, narrowly avoiding tragedy.
The family now sleeps in the open, huddled around small fires in the yard, afraid to stay in anyone’s house in case the mysterious blaze follows them there.
“I have never seen anything like this in my life. I have reported to the police, to the District Development Co-ordinator’s office and even spoken to people who claim to have powers to stop such things. No one can help. I’ve surrendered everything to God,” said Mr Gumede.
Community members are equally shaken.
“This fire is not normal. It starts at the top of houses, burns against the wind and targets even things placed in trees outside. We thought maybe someone in the family had done wrong, but after several meetings, everyone denied it,” said Mr Redbull Moyo, Mr Gumede’s half-brother.
“We are at a loss for words, but as elders, lokhu kufuna abantu who know how to deal with such a situation.”
Mr Moyo said the local traditional leadership called a village meeting and asked people to help donate money so that they could try and get help for the family.
Elderly neighbour Ms Rosalina Bhebhe expressed concern that the fire has even destroyed goods donated by the community to help the family.
For Mr Xolani Gumede, the situation is heart-breaking.
“Our children have stopped going to school because their uniforms were burnt including the new ones we bought. I came home from work and my bag was burnt the same day,” he said.
On Friday, the family reported yet another incident in which blankets belonging to Mr Gumede’s disabled sister, where she had been lying, caught fire. Quick action prevented disaster, but the fire flared again as the family walked to Nkayi Centre to seek prayers.
Nkayi District Development Officer Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, who visited the site, described the situation as a disaster and appealed for assistance. .
“We received the report and visited the family and that is a disaster there. Those who know how to deal with such a situation, please come forward. The fires have left this family with nothing,” she said.
Ms Mlotshwa said anyone willing to help can contact Mr Xolani Gumede on 0785 361 809.— @themkhust
Bongani Ndlovu