News / National
Jilted lover allegedly sets house on fire
21 Apr 2013 at 06:50hrs | Views
Seven members of an Epworth family are battling for life after a jilted lover allegedly set their house on fire while they were asleep early yesterday morning.
All seven sustained serious burns and are receiving treatment at Harare Central Hospital. Their condition could not, however, be ascertained by last night.
National police spokesman Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi identified the suspected arson victims as Lorraine Mutetwa, her daughters Rutendo (16), Ruvimbo (13), Melissa (8) as well as her nieces Shamiso Gowodza (16), Colleta Gowodza (17) and Gamuchirai Gowodza (15).
Chief Supt Nyathi said police suspect that Mutetwa's boyfriend attempted to kill her after their relationship broke down. Preliminary investigations show that one of the rooms at the house was sprinkled with petrol through a broken window.
"It is believed that one of the victims who was sleeping in the dining room was awakened by a flame around 1.35am, which was spreading from the bedroom where Mutetwa was sleeping with six other children," said the police spokesman.
"He then checked the source of the flame through his mother's bedroom window, only to discover that the window had been broken and there was a distinct smell of petrol. On-going police investigations are pointing to a man who was previously in love with Mutetwa because he is reported to have been sending threatening text messages on her mobile phone."
All seven sustained serious burns and are receiving treatment at Harare Central Hospital. Their condition could not, however, be ascertained by last night.
National police spokesman Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi identified the suspected arson victims as Lorraine Mutetwa, her daughters Rutendo (16), Ruvimbo (13), Melissa (8) as well as her nieces Shamiso Gowodza (16), Colleta Gowodza (17) and Gamuchirai Gowodza (15).
"It is believed that one of the victims who was sleeping in the dining room was awakened by a flame around 1.35am, which was spreading from the bedroom where Mutetwa was sleeping with six other children," said the police spokesman.
"He then checked the source of the flame through his mother's bedroom window, only to discover that the window had been broken and there was a distinct smell of petrol. On-going police investigations are pointing to a man who was previously in love with Mutetwa because he is reported to have been sending threatening text messages on her mobile phone."
Source - SM
