The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
TRAGEDY struck Chibuwe Business Centre in Chipinge on Wednesday after a 23-year-old woman was burnt beyond recognition, while her husband was seriously injured after containers of petrol they were keeping in their bedroom for resale exploded.
The incident occurred at around 10am and villagers battled with the fire for almost two hours.
Laina Chikakasi died on the spot, while her husband, Joseph Chifana, is battling for his life at Mutare Provincial Hospital where he was rushed.
Chikakasi’s remains were ferried to Chipinge District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
Property worth hundreds of dollars was also destroyed during the inferno.
The couple are known illegal fuel dealers who were operating from Chibuwe Business Centre.
When The Manica Post rushed to Chimiro Village under Chief Musikavanhu’s area, a sombre atmosphere engulfed the area as villagers were trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
Witnesses said the inferno was ignited after Chikakasi set fire on a charcoal stove close to their bedroom where the fuel containers were being kept. Narrating what transpired, the couple’s landlord, Mrs Senziwe Vuso, said: “At around 10am, Chikakasi told me that she wanted to prepare food for her husband, Chifana, who was selling fuel at the shops. She proceeded to their room and set fire on a charcoal stove close to the door of their room.
“Her husband went to the room carrying a 20-litre container intending to collect more petrol. Chikakasi followed him into the house. After a while her husband came out of the room carrying another container of petrol which was leaking. He closed the door, leaving his wife inside the room.
“The fuel exploded and Chikakasi was trapped inside. She screamed for help. Her husband reacted swiftly and tried to rescue her.”
Mrs Vuso said Chifana’s clothes also caught fire.
“He bolted out of the room, but he sustained serious burns. Some neighbours tried to douse the fire with water, but the flames increased and engulfed the whole cottage.
“Some people watched from a distance as they feared for their lives. It was a sorry sight. Chikakasi died a very painful death.
“What is worrying us is that these illegal fuel dealers approached us to rent our facilities without notifying us about their illegal activities,” she said.
Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera confirmed the incident and said investigation were in progress.
Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 20 councillor, Cllr Charles Mugidho, described the tragedy as sad and unfortunate.
“We regret the tragic death of this young lady. We also wish her husband a speedy recovery. What is worrying us is the increase in the number of illegal fuel dealers in our area. People should not keep fuel in their bedrooms.
“As the local leadership we are urging the community and vehicle owners to make use of services station. We also appealing to fuel suppliers to invest in marginalised communities to avoid incidents like these,” he said.
