Elderly Woman Dies in Thatched Hut Fire in Chikombedzi

An 88-year-old woman from Kuzomuka Village under Chief Mupapa in Chikombedzi has died after her thatched hut caught fire in the early hours of 4 May 2026, in a tragic incident that has raised fresh concerns over fire safety in rural homes. The deceased, identified as Makanaka Kuzomuka, was reportedly sleeping alone in her bedroom hut when the blaze broke out at around 2:30 am.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the elderly woman had been sleeping near an open fire, a common practice in many rural households during colder months. Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson Masauso Patinyu said the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the thatched structure within minutes.

“Hakamela Makanani, who is her daughter-in-law, saw a flash of light through the window and rushed outside, but the hut was already on fire, and the roof had already collapsed in,” Patinyu said.

Neighbours were alerted and rushed to assist, but the intensity of the flames made it impossible to save the victim or salvage property. The fire destroyed the hut completely, reducing it and its contents to ashes. Police officers who attended the scene found the body burnt beyond recognition. It was later transported to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The incident highlights ongoing fire hazards associated with traditional thatched housing, particularly where open flames are used for heating or lighting. Fire safety expert Engineer Tinashe Moyo said thatched structures are highly flammable and can ignite within seconds.

“Once a thatched roof catches fire, it spreads extremely fast. Combined with open flames indoors, the risk becomes very high, especially at night when occupants are asleep,” he said.

Authorities have urged communities to exercise caution when using open fires indoors, particularly in enclosed or thatched structures. Assistant Inspector Patinyu warned that similar incidents can be avoided through safer practices.

“We urge members of the public to avoid sleeping near open fires, especially in thatched houses, as this can easily lead to fatal incidents,” he said.

Community leaders and safety advocates are increasingly calling for improved rural housing standards and awareness campaigns to reduce fire-related deaths. Suggestions include better ventilation, safer heating alternatives, and community education on fire prevention. As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by open flames in vulnerable housing structures.

Chikombedzi hut fire