Granny (77) burnt to death as hut catches fire

A woman from Bikita's Chief Marozva communal lands in Masvingo was allegedly burnt to death while seated in her kitchen hut, police confirmed yesterday.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said the incident happened on Saturday at about 3pm.He identified the deceased as Betty Birinyangwe, 77, of Mberikwazvo Village.

He said police are yet to ascertain the actual cause of the inferno which also razed the hut to the ground.

"We are still investigating what could have caused the fire. It was not raining, therefore it could not have been lightning," he said.

Insp Zhanero said Austin Moyo, 60, who is Birinyangwe's relative was at the homestead together with the deceased after which he left and proceeded to the garden.

"Moyo proceeded to the garden intending to water vegetables.

After about 30 minutes, he saw a cloud of smoke coming from the homestead which is a stone's throw from the garden," he said.

He said Moyo went to the scene to investigate and upon arrival he realised that the thatched roof had already caved in and Birinyangwe could not be located.

"Moyo called for help from fellow villagers who rushed to the scene. They tried to put out the fire but failed. They watched helplessly as the hut was razed to the ground, unaware that Birinyangwe was trapped inside," said Insp Zhanero.

He said after the fire had died down, they realised that Birinyangwe had been burnt beyond recognition and only managed to retrieve her remains.

"Post-mortem was waived and her remains were buried in the village," he said.