Names of 10 Esigodini veld fire victims released
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has finally identified the ten people who were yesterday burnt to death when they were trapped in a mountainous area by a raging veld fire at a farm in Esigodini, Matabeleland South province.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced the names of the victims in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. Their remains were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for postmortem.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police announces the names of ten victims who died while trying to extinguish a raging veld fire on 10th October 2022 at Rodrose Farm, Esigodini,” read the statement.
“The victims were positively identified by their next of kin as listed: 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 police further urged the public to quickly report cases of fire incidents to the police and relevant stakeholders for swift reaction.
In another case, Nyathi confirmed the arrest of 20 suspects in connection with violent skirmishes which occurred on 10th October 2022 at Mupedzanhamo Market Stalls, Mbare, Harare.
The suspects went on a rampage destroying vending stalls and motor vehicles while fighting for the control of vending stalls.
“The suspects are, Taurai Mbidzi, Norest Gwangwava, Beverly Chimedza, William Masomera, Raphel George, Freedom Hondera, Bonface Muza, Hwahwa Mbariro, Tawanda Thompson, Maraka Munaki, Albert Maurambadoro, Brighton Nyamadyare, Ronald Mutyandafa, Tatenda Matamba, Tembalani Chire, Tinotenda Matose, Edika Chimhako, Lawrence Guti, Norman Kasa and Edmore Mandofa.
“The value of property destroyed is yet to be established.
“The public is urged to be law abiding citizens, conduct social and economic activities in a peaceful manner to assist the Police in the maintenance of law and order in the country,” he said.
