Harare (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Tuesday released the names of the 10 victims who died on Monday in a veld fire at a farm in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province.
The tragic incident occurred at Lot 43 farm when farm workers were trying to contain a raging fire which was sweeping through the farm.
According to reports, the veld fire started during strong winds sometime in the morning and the farm’s owner Abel Moyo enlisted the help of his farm workers and others from surrounding farms to put it out.
In a statement, police spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victims were positively identified by their next of kin.
The victims included, Kessary Sibanda, a male adult aged 53 of Marula, Figtree, Ian Mudimba (38), Simon Mdlongwa (39), Nelisingwane Dlamini (47), Luzibo Tshuma, a male adult of Chiziya Malundu Village, in Binga.
Others included Oliver Mudimba (39), Bafana Moyo (53) of Dimbamiwa Village, Nkayi, England Moyo (20) of Nketa 8, Bulawayo, Thabani Mpofu (46) of Gwelutshena Village, Nkayi and Menelisi Ngwenya (20) of Mandangema Village, Nkayi.
“The bodies of the victims were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with incidents of veld fires in all parts of the country where lives have been lost and property destroyed in situations which clearly show acts of recklessness, negligence and in some cases criminal activities.
“Those found to be igniting veld fires will be arrested without fear or favour. The public is urged to be alert and quickly report cases of fire incidents to the Police and relevant stakeholders for swift reaction.”
– New Ziana
