By a Correspondent
Police have arrested a Mabvuku man in connection with the deaths of his two young children, who were burnt beyond recognition after a house was allegedly set on fire in Eastview, Mabvuku, in the early hours of Monday.
The children (aged 3 and 6) tragically burned beyond recognition when their 24-year old father allegedly set their cabin on fire. The suspect also reportedly stabbed his wife, aged 22 and attempted to take his own life. Both parents survived.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a homicide investigation into the suspected filicide, with detectives examining the circumstances surrounding the devastating blaze.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly locked the two children inside the family home before setting it alight following a reported domestic dispute.
Neighbours, awakened by screams and the rapidly spreading flames, rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped children. However, thick smoke and intense heat forced them back, leaving them helpless as the fire engulfed the house.
By the time the Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze, the house had been reduced to rubble.
Police and forensic investigators later recovered the charred remains of the two children from the debris. The bodies have been taken to a government mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Investigators are continuing to examine the scene to establish the cause of the fire and whether an accelerant was used.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court once investigations are complete.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Mabvuku community, with residents struggling to come to terms with the deaths of the two children.
The incident also highlights growing concern over fatal domestic violence cases in Zimbabwe, where family disputes have increasingly ended in deadly attacks, including incidents involving arson.
Police are expected to release further details as investigations progress.
