President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has released a condolence message following the tragic death of 10 workers who died whilst attempting to extinguish a veld fire in Esigodini.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has published the names of ten persons who died while trying to extinguish a veld fire in Esigodini on Monday.
In a statement seen by News Central, police said anyone found igniting veld fires will be arrested.
The victims were positively identified by their next of kin. Their names are:
• Kessary Sibanda, a male adult aged 53 of Marula, Figtree
• Ian Mudimba, a male adult aged 38
• Simon Mdlongwa, a male adult aged 39
• Nelisingwane Dlamini, a male adult aged 47 of GMB Esigodini
• Luzibo Tshuma, a male adult of Chiziya Malundu Village, Binga
• Oliver Mudimba, a male adult aged 39
• Bafana Moyo, a male adult aged 53 of Dimbamiwa Village, Nkayi
• England Moyo, a male adult aged 20 of Nketa 8, Bulawayo
• Thabani Mpofu, a male adult aged 46 of Gwelutshena Village, Nkayi and
• Menelisi Ngwenya a male adult aged 20 of Mandangema Village, Nkayi.
“The bodies of the victims were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for postmortem.
“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 statement reads.
The police further stated that “The public is urged to be alert and quickly report cases of fire incidents to the Police and relevant stakeholders for swift reaction.”
In another development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of 20 suspects in connection with violent skirmishes which occurred on October 10, 2022 at Mupedzanhamo Markert Stalls, Mbare, Harare. The suspects went on a rampage destroying properties in vending stalls and motor vehicles while fighting for the control of vending stalls.
The suspects are Tatenda Matamba, Tembalani Chire,Taurai Mbidzi, Norest Gwangwava, Edika Chimhako, Edmore Mandofa, Lawrence Guti, Norman Kasa, Beverly Chimedza, William Masomera, Tawanda Thompson, Maraka Munaki, Albert Maurambadoro, Brighton Nyamadyare, Raphel George, Freedom Hondera, Ronald Mutyandafa, Tinotenda Matose, Bonface Muza, and Hwahwa Mbariro.
The value of property destroyed is yet to be established.