By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
GWANDA — Communities in the Matabeleland South capital have rallied together to mobilise resources for two families who were left counting their losses after a raging inferno, triggered by a suspected gas stove explosion, gutted a house in the Jacaranda suburb last Monday night.
The harrowing incident occurred at around 8pm. While miraculous fortune ensured that no lives were lost or injuries sustained during the fierce blaze, the families were left with virtually nothing as household property, important documents, and valuables were reduced to ashes.
Ward 3 Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu confirmed the tragedy, stating that he rushed to the scene after being alerted by a vigilant neighbour before summoning the local fire brigade, which reacted swiftly to contain the flames.
“My ward experienced an unfortunate incident where two families lost their properties, but fortunately, no life was lost,” Cllr Ndlovu said.
“Efforts are currently underway to mobilise resources to assist the affected families. Those wishing to assist financially can channel their contributions through EcoCash to Evidence Nyathi on 0778 462 881. We also wish to extend our profound gratitude to one of the residents who has since stepped forward to provide temporary shelter to one of the displaced families.”
Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Nomathemba Ndlovu said the committee had been activated immediately following the disaster to assess the full extent of the structural and material damage and to coordinate emergency assistance.
When the Ilanga news crew visited the charred remains of the property, Ntandoyenkosi Moyo (36), who lived at the house with her three children and a two-year-old grandchild, recounted the terrifying ordeal. She confirmed that nothing could be salvaged from the wreckage.
“I stay with my three children and grandchild, and there was also my cousin’s family sharing another section of the house. The other family was living under the care of a 20-year-old domestic worker who was looking after five children aged between nine and 16 years,” Moyo narrated.
“I was sitting outside with the children at around 8pm while the domestic worker and some of the children were inside cooking using a gas stove. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion from the house, and they bolted outside. Luckily, no one was hurt.”
Preliminary observations from the scene indicate that the gas regulator allegedly detached from the pipe while the stove was in operation, instantly sparking the fierce blaze that swept through the dwelling.
The distraught families lost all their furniture, school uniforms, identity documents, cash, and other irreplaceable valuables in the inferno. Well-wishers and community members wishing to render aid are being urged to contact local leadership to alleviate the plight of the victims.
