BY SAMUEL NJINGA
Tragedy struck a funeral gathering in Zimuto on Saturday when strong winds ripped the roof off a thatched hut, sending it crashing down onto a fireplace where food was being prepared for mourners.
The incident occurred during the funeral of the late Enock Gwari (85), of the Gurajena Chieftainship lineage in the community. Eye witnesses said the roof, torn off by the fierce wind, first took people’s hats off their heads before landing directly on the fire where large pots of food were being cooked. The resulting blaze gutted all the food, leaving those attending the funeral without a meal.
Villagers at the scene were thrown into chaos, with many fleeing for safety as the flames consumed the hut’s remains. One of the locals, Mary Mpofu, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as shocking. “We were all gathered here to mourn Mr. Gwari, and the food was almost ready. At first people were in jubilation with some even ululating as they religiously believed that this had something to do with fortune. Suddenly, things fell apart, the roof of the hut came off and fell onto the fire! Everyone ran away; we were scared for our lives,” she said.
Ward 1 Councilor Kudakwashe Murambiwa confirmed the incident. “It’s unfortunate that such a calamity occurred. We were all in shock, and people were left without food after the fire destroyed everything that had been prepared,” he said.
Although no one was injured, the loss of the funeral meal added to the somber mood as attendees had to return to their homes without partaking in the traditional post-funeral meal. The community is now working together to ensure proper support for the Gwari family as they continue to mourn their beloved patriarch.
Further efforts will be made to assess the damage caused by the winds, which have left other households in the area vulnerable as well.