By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
A 33-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter died after a fire razed two huts in which they were sleeping in Village 5, Dombojena, Shurugwi District, Midlands Province.
The victims have been identified as Onismo Ncube and her daughter, Thabolihle Dube.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the tragedy occurred shortly after midnight on 4 August 2026.
“It is alleged that on 4 August 2026, at around 12:20am, Admire Mabveku (45), of Umcima 49 Mine in Shurugwi, heard cries for help coming from the deceased persons’ homestead, which is located near the mine,” said Inspector Mahoko.
“He rushed to the scene and discovered that two huts were on fire. He called other nearby residents to help extinguish the blaze. However, their efforts were unsuccessful as the roofs had already collapsed and both huts were fully engulfed in flames.”
Police attended the scene and made a grim discovery.
“Police attended the scene and found the two huts burnt to ashes. They retrieved two bodies that had been burnt beyond recognition in the inferno,” Inspector Mahoko said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations are continuing.
Inspector Mahoko appealed to anyone with information that could assist police in determining the cause of the fire to report to Shurugwi Police.
