BULAWAYO - An 81-year-old man was recently burnt to death by veld fires, bringing to 11 the number of people that have been caught up in the raging fires that have destroyed pastures and vast tracks of land in the southern region. (Pictured Bush fires have ravaged the area, destroying homes and taking lives)The incident took place at Umguza District in the wildlife rich Matabeleland North province, near St James High School.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Inspector Martha Manyara, confirmed Cephas Mpala was burnt to death.
“Mpala was in the company of his wife and when they saw the fires coming, they started moving their property from a thatched hut to a house with a zinc roof. While they were moving their valuables they did not realise that the fire was drawing closer. When they finally noticed, they decided to run away. The fire unfortunately caught up with the man and he was burnt to death,” said Manyara.
One of the affected farms in Umguza District in Matabeleland North whose grazing land of about 2500 hectares was burnt is owned by Obert Mpofu, the Mines Minister.
About 30 000 hectares of land have been destroyed by veld fires at the police-owned Eland Farm in Matabeleland North.
Post published in: News