Online Reporter
TWO children, aged five and two, died in the early hours of Monday after their father allegedly set fire to the cabin in which they were sleeping, following a domestic altercation with their mother, police have confirmed.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred at around 2:30am in Eastview Phase 10, Mabvuku, where Gift Muyengwa (24) allegedly attacked his wife, Tsitsi Zuze (22), with a knife.
“Investigations by the Police indicate that the suspect allegedly attacked his wife with a knife while the victims were asleep. The wife managed to escape and sought help from neighbours before reporting the incident,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Police said Zuze returned to find the cabin engulfed in flames. The bodies of Aldine Muyengwa (5) and Ropafadzo Muyengwa (2) were later recovered, burnt beyond recognition.
Muyengwa was found outside the burning structure with injuries and is receiving treatment under police guard.
Police said investigations are continuing and have not confirmed whether formal charges have been laid.
Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to seek peaceful solutions to domestic disputes before they escalate into violence.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and seek assistance from relatives, community leaders, counsellors or the police before conflicts escalate into tragic loss of life.”
The incident has renewed concern over domestic violence, which continues to claim lives and affect families across Zimbabwe.
