A raging fire tore through a grass thatched hut with five occupants and killed four children – including twins aged six.

The incident occurred on Monday night in Machaka Village, under Chief Nerutanga, Buhera West. The cause of the blaze is yet to be established. There was no candle or lamp in the burnt hut. Twin siblings – Tanyaradzwa and Takudzwa Machaka (six) – were burnt to death, while Tinotenda Machaka (three) and Rumbidzai Chikomo (13) escaped with serious injuries and were pronounced dead on admission at Murambinda Mission Hospital.

The national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.

“The victims and their mother where sleeping in a hut before discovering their hut was on fire,” he said.

Sources privy to the investigations said Melody Zimhondi, the children’s mother, retired to bed at around 7pm after supper.

“There was no candle or lamp in the house and around 9pm, Zimhondi woke up after being choked by smoke. She realised that the hut was on fire and rushed out screaming for help.

“Paul Machaka of the same village rushed to the scene and managed to pull out Tinotenda and Rumbidzayi before the roof of the hut collapsed. However, Takudzwa and Tanyaradzwa were burnt to death. Rumbidzai and Tinotenda sustained serious burns and were rushed to Murambinda Mission Hospital, where they died on admission,” said the source.

The incident was reported to ZRP Buhera.- Manica Post