Story by Online Reporter
A 56-year-old woman died, and another person sustained severe burns after two armed robbers allegedly attacked them at a farm in Esigodini, robbed them of an Oking mobile phone, a Vodafone mobile phone and US$20 cash before setting a cabin on fire.
The incident occurred at Ngenisa Farm in Mbalabala, Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province, where Tracy Simela (56) died after becoming trapped inside the burning cabin. The surviving victim, aged 46, escaped with severe burns.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it had launched investigations into the murder of Simela and the attempted murder of the surviving victim.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a case of murder and attempted murder which occurred on 23 July 2026 at Ngenisa Farm, Mbalabala, Esigodini, where Tracy Simela (56) was murdered,” the police said.
According to the ZRP, two unidentified male suspects, armed with a knife and an axe, allegedly attacked the two victims before robbing them of an Oking mobile phone, a Vodafone mobile phone and US$20 in cash.
Police said the suspects allegedly assaulted both victims before pouring petrol inside the cabin, locking them inside and setting it on fire.
“The suspects allegedly assaulted the complainant and the victim, poured petrol inside the cabin, locked them inside and set it on fire before fleeing into the bush,” the ZRP said.
“The victim died after being trapped in the burning cabin, while the complainant escaped with severe burns.”
The motive for the attack has not yet been established, and no arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying or locating the suspects to report to the nearest police station or contact the Zimbabwe Republic Police through its National Complaints Desk.
Investigations are continuing.
