The incident, which occurred in Kafusi area in Gwanda
District, Matabeleland South province, has shocked villagers who suspect foul
play.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector
Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
“I can confirm that on February 12 at around 2200hrs at a
place referred to as Kafusi Dam, three people were burnt beyond recognition
after a fire broke out in a shop they were sleeping in.
“The deceased are Lindiwe Ngulube (26), her four-year-old
child Divine Ndlovu and her boyfriend Valentine Ngwenya (26),” said Insp
Mangena. Insp Mangena said the shop caught fire when the trio had just retired
to bed.
“The three retired to bed just after 2200hrs after having
supper. After 20 minutes, neighbours heard an explosion and the shop caught
fire. The neighbours tried to break in but failed as the entire building was
engulfed in flames.
The three bodies were burnt beyond recognition,” said Insp
Mangena. She said everything in the shop was reduced to ashes.
Insp Mangena called on members of the public who might have
information that could assist in the invesigations to contact any nearest
police station.
Villagers who spoke to Chronicle said the three were burnt
to death while they watched helplessly.
“I am one of the neighbours and was part of those who tried
in vain to rescue the deceased. We tried to fish out the child through the
window but failed because of the burglar bars.
“One of the deceased, Ngwenya tried to forcibly open the
door but failed. They were screaming pleading with us to assist but unfortunately
we could not,” said the villager who spoke on condition of anonymity. Chronicle
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