Chivhu – A 77-year-old man caught fire while relieving himself in a bush in Nhema Village under Chief Mutekedza on Sunday and he was burnt beyond recognition.

Julius Takaendesa Gwapedza’s body was discovered after a search, Mash East Provincial Police Spokesperson Misheck Denhere said.

Sources said that Gwapedza had visited Nhema Village in Sadza to attend the memorial service of his mother. At around 7am he went into a near-by bush to relieve himself.

He was suddenly engulfed by a bush fire and a young girl saw him as he fought hard to put out the fire that was already on his clothes. The girl sent a mobile text message to the village head Canaan Makone (55).

At around 1pm relatives who had started looking for Gwapedza met Makone and he told them about the text message. They went to the bush and found Gwapedza’s dead. They also found his National Identity Card on him.

The fire was started by Elias Mukono (50) who was clearing a graveside at his homestead. He has since been arrested.- Masvingo Mirror