News / National
2 sisters burnt alive in revenge attack
21 Sep 2025 at 08:02hrs | 1,171 Views
A farming community in Gweru is in shock and mourning after two young sisters were burnt beyond recognition in what police believe was a revenge attack linked to a family feud over chickens.
The tragedy occurred at Mahalape Compound, Watershed Farm, where 13-year-old Everjoy Mangena and her five-year-old sister, Natasha Kanyama, were trapped in their bedroom hut when it caught fire around 9 pm.
Their parents, Munyaradzi Chizhanga and his wife, were sleeping in a separate hut and were awakened by the children's screams just after midnight. Neighbours rushed to help but were forced back by the raging flames, despite attempts to extinguish the fire with buckets of water.
By the time the fire was brought under control, the sisters' bodies had been completely burnt.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
"Initially, the matter was recorded as sudden death by fire, but fresh evidence has led to the arrest of three suspects who are now facing possible murder charges," Insp. Mahoko said.
The suspects—Chiedza Siziba, James Mativenga, and a man identified only as Abel—were apprehended in Sherwood, Kwekwe, on September 15 after allegedly fleeing the compound immediately following the blaze. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects set the hut on fire following a quarrel with the children's parents over the slaughtering of chickens.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police thanks members of the public for assisting with positive information. Justice will take its course and bring closure to this matter," Insp. Mahoko added.
Villagers expressed deep anguish and shock over the incident. "It is cruel beyond words. Two innocent children lost their lives because of an adult quarrel," one resident said.
The bodies of Everjoy and Natasha are currently at Gweru Provincial Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination.
The tragedy occurred at Mahalape Compound, Watershed Farm, where 13-year-old Everjoy Mangena and her five-year-old sister, Natasha Kanyama, were trapped in their bedroom hut when it caught fire around 9 pm.
Their parents, Munyaradzi Chizhanga and his wife, were sleeping in a separate hut and were awakened by the children's screams just after midnight. Neighbours rushed to help but were forced back by the raging flames, despite attempts to extinguish the fire with buckets of water.
By the time the fire was brought under control, the sisters' bodies had been completely burnt.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
"Initially, the matter was recorded as sudden death by fire, but fresh evidence has led to the arrest of three suspects who are now facing possible murder charges," Insp. Mahoko said.
The suspects—Chiedza Siziba, James Mativenga, and a man identified only as Abel—were apprehended in Sherwood, Kwekwe, on September 15 after allegedly fleeing the compound immediately following the blaze. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects set the hut on fire following a quarrel with the children's parents over the slaughtering of chickens.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police thanks members of the public for assisting with positive information. Justice will take its course and bring closure to this matter," Insp. Mahoko added.
Villagers expressed deep anguish and shock over the incident. "It is cruel beyond words. Two innocent children lost their lives because of an adult quarrel," one resident said.
The bodies of Everjoy and Natasha are currently at Gweru Provincial Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination.
Source - Midweek Watch
