News / National
Open air church service ends in tragedy
02 Oct 2012 at 04:49hrs | Views
An open-air service for the Johanne Masowe Church ended in disarray last week when a member lit a fire which got out of control and destroyed several homes before it nearly caused the death of a child.
The perpetrator, Grace Zimunhu (39) of Mukangaza village in Chipapa, Hurungwe Central, was fined US$90 or one month in jail when she appeared before Karoi resident magistrate Mr Robson Finsin last week.
The child, Tabeth Nhanga (9) of Laughing Hills Farm, was paralysed after she touched a charged electrical cable that had fallen to the ground as a result of the fire. She was admitted to Karoi Hospital.
Zimunhu, who pleaded guilty to contravening Section 78 (b) (i) of the Forestry Act Chapter 19:05, had an additional two months jail term suspended on condition she does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
Prosecutor Mr Benjamin Negato said Zimunhu was attending a church service with fellow members in Mukangaza village on September 20 when she lit a fire to prepare breakfast for the gathering. The fire was later blown by the wind, triggering a fierce blaze.
The perpetrator, Grace Zimunhu (39) of Mukangaza village in Chipapa, Hurungwe Central, was fined US$90 or one month in jail when she appeared before Karoi resident magistrate Mr Robson Finsin last week.
Zimunhu, who pleaded guilty to contravening Section 78 (b) (i) of the Forestry Act Chapter 19:05, had an additional two months jail term suspended on condition she does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
Prosecutor Mr Benjamin Negato said Zimunhu was attending a church service with fellow members in Mukangaza village on September 20 when she lit a fire to prepare breakfast for the gathering. The fire was later blown by the wind, triggering a fierce blaze.
Source - TH
