Tragic Loss: Elderly Woman Perishes in Field FireTragic Loss: Elderly Woman Perishes in Field Fire A heartbreaking incident has occurred in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, where a 74-year-old woman met a tragic end while attempting to extinguish a field fire. Caritus Muchatibaya was one of the villagers who rushed to put out a blaze that had erupted in their fields. Despite initial success in containing the fire, it reignited and engulfed Muchatibaya’s garden. As she approached the entrance to her property, she was suddenly consumed by an inferno. Despite the efforts of concerned villagers, she sustained fatal burns beyond recognition. Inspector Lan Kohwera of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) expressed condolences and urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with fire. He emphasized the importance of forming fire committees to protect vulnerable individuals like the elderly. The police also reminded citizens that starting uncontrolled fires is a criminal offense and punishable by law. Muchatibaya’s untimely demise serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with field fires. As the dry season approaches, communities are urged to take necessary precautions and prevent such tragedies from repeating.
By reporter
An elderly woman from Kadoma was burned alive while trying to extinguish a field fire that destroyed her family garden.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland West provincial spokesperson Inspector Lan Kohwera confirmed the incident.
“I confirm a sad incident where 74-year-old Caritus Muchatibaya was burnt beyond recognition in a veld fire at Silverstar Village 2 Turf, Kadoma.
“The woman was one of the villagers who extinguished a field fire that broke out in the fields of their village at around 3pm on July 28, 2024. The villagers initially managed to extinguish the fire and returned to their homes.
“A few moments later, the fire flared up again and Muchatibaya’s garden was almost on fire. He and some close relatives rushed to put out the fire.
“As she was approaching the entrance to her garden, she was suddenly engulfed in a wave of fire. She was burned beyond recognition,” Kohwera said.
According to reports, villagers were alerted and rushed to her aid, but they were unable to save her.
A report was filed with the ZRP Turf police. They arrived on the scene and took the body to a local hospital for an autopsy.
Kohwera expressed sadness over the incident and urged the public to be careful when dealing with fire.
“This is a sad incident that happened when people were busy fulfilling a community responsibility. While people have a duty to put out wildfires, the police would like to encourage communities to form fire committees. Such committees should avoid involving the elderly, who may become victims as they cannot match the speed of wildfires.
“The public is also reminded that starting uncontrolled fire is a criminal offence and anyone caught doing so will face the full penalty of the law,” the police spokesman added.
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