Petrol bomb attack kills 5

IN a bizarre arson attack, a Chipinge man last Wednesday ruthlessly killed five people -  among them three family members - and injured two others after he petrol bombed the house they were sleeping in after accusing them of witchcraft.

The incident, which left villagers shell-shocked, happened in Mahachi Village in Chief Musikavanhu's area.

A manhunt for the suspect, Tawanda Ginandi Machumi, has been launched. Machumi vanished soon after pouring petrol and burning the house the seven were sleeping in.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Enock Chishiri confirmed the attack and identified the victims as Blessing Ginandi (7), Power Mutsananguri (4), Denford Ginandi (12), Tambudzai Ginandi (8) and Tambudzai Munorweyi (54).

Blessing, Power and Denford were burnt beyond recognition.

Kenneth and Blessmore Ginandi, aged 16 and four respectively, survived by a whisker and were on Wednesday afternoon reportedly in critical condition and were admitted at Chipinge District Hospital.

Insp Chishiri appealed to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of Tawanda to contact their nearest police station.

Tawanda, who was residing in South Africa off late, is suspected to have fled to Mozambique soon after committing the heinous act.

He left a strong-worded letter threatening to come back and "deal" with all witches and wizards around Mahachi Village.

The letter was written on a South African bank deposit slip.

In the letter, he described himself as "Chipedza varoyi".

Reads part of the letter: "Chiziviso kuvaroyi mose. Mbuya vaDee, Mai Muchumi, Makaza kuuraya Mapfihwa. Mai Mazinyama kuuraya Two boy.

"Mai Muchumi kuuraya Joze Mahachi. Mai Mhute kumasabhabha kuroya pamwe na mai Machumi futi namai Pindai Gwenzi. Ndauya ini chakapedza ndiro zita rangu. Mutupo ndini Chipedza varoyi. Ndirimuno mumaganga wenyu ini chakapedza, chipedza varoyi.






"Mese munopera chete kana ndapedza ndoenda."

When police attended the scene, they saw three two-litre containers which contained some petrol.

"We strongly suspect that Tawanda committed the crime because he reportedly sent numerous messages to the late Tambudzai Munorweyi when he was in South Africa threatening to kill her and all those practising witchcraft in the village.

"He was also reportedly in possession of a valid Mozambican passport, so we suspect that he might have fled to Mozambique.

"Anyone with information leading to his arrest should contact any nearest police station. Investigations are in progress and we are digging deep into the matter," said Insp Chishiri.

He urged people to solve problems and disputes amicably than resorting to violence.

On the fateful night, Tambudzai Munorweyi and Tambudzai Ginandi retired to bed and left Power, Denford, Kenneth, Blessmore and Blessing sleeping in another room.

At around 1am, Tawanda, who was not at home, allegedly came and poured petrol on the door. The petrol flowed into the house and soaked the five's blankets.

"He lit up the house and the five rushed to another room for safety. Tambudzai Munorwei shouted for help before she threw the little Tambudzai Ginandi outside the house through the window. Their neighbours, Moses and his wife Pretty Dube, heard the screams and rushed to the house which was engulfed by fire.

"They tried in vain to rescue Blessing, Power and Denford, who were burnt beyond recognition. Kenneth, Blessmore, Tambudzai Ginandi and Tambudzai Munorwei were rushed to Chipinge District Hospital before Munorwei and Tambudzai Ginandi were transferred to Mutare Provincial Hospital and later died. Munorweyi, who was later taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, also died on January 11," said Insp Chishiri.