News / Regional
Granny found dead in her hut
09 Jan 2013 at 06:09hrs | Views
A 90-year-old Matobo District woman was found dead in her hut and is believed to have died of serious fire burns, police said yesterday.
The incident occurred last Saturday at about 9pm.
Matabeleland South police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya said Agnes Sibanda, of Mahetshe village under Chief Fuyana, had been left alone at home by her grandchildren, Kingstone Sibanda (25) and Ndabezinhle Sibanda (27), when they went to Maphisa business centre.
He said when the two grandchildren returned home at about 9pm, they found their grandmother dead.
"When the deceased's two grandchildren returned home, Ndabezinhle proceeded to his grandmother's bedroom where he found her lying dead on the floor and the whole room smelling with smoke.
Ndabezinhle then called his younger brother Kingstone and the two noticed ashes of burnt blanket around their grandmother's body and a low glowing fire on the burning blankets, which they extinguished," said Asst Insp Ngwenya.
He said the deceased sustained serious burns on the legs, back and head.
The two grandchildren alerted other villagers and the matter was reported to the police.
The body was conveyed to Maphisa District Hospital.
Asst Insp Ngwenya said police have applied for a waiver from the magistrate as no foul play was suspected.
"We suspect that the old woman should have slept with a burning candle that later ignited her blankets while she was asleep. Old people should be protected from dangers just like one would do to children so that such incidents are avoided," he said.
The incident occurred last Saturday at about 9pm.
Matabeleland South police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya said Agnes Sibanda, of Mahetshe village under Chief Fuyana, had been left alone at home by her grandchildren, Kingstone Sibanda (25) and Ndabezinhle Sibanda (27), when they went to Maphisa business centre.
He said when the two grandchildren returned home at about 9pm, they found their grandmother dead.
"When the deceased's two grandchildren returned home, Ndabezinhle proceeded to his grandmother's bedroom where he found her lying dead on the floor and the whole room smelling with smoke.
He said the deceased sustained serious burns on the legs, back and head.
The two grandchildren alerted other villagers and the matter was reported to the police.
The body was conveyed to Maphisa District Hospital.
Asst Insp Ngwenya said police have applied for a waiver from the magistrate as no foul play was suspected.
"We suspect that the old woman should have slept with a burning candle that later ignited her blankets while she was asleep. Old people should be protected from dangers just like one would do to children so that such incidents are avoided," he said.
Source - TC
