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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A 63-YEAR-OLD woman from Bulilima died from severe burns she sustained after her clothes accidentally caught fire while she was cooking.Jane Tshuma from Malalume area was with her 10-year-old granddaughter when the incident occurred on November 9.

She died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals last Tuesday.

Tshuma was preparing food when her grand-daughter suddenly shouted that her clothes were on fire.

A relative said the elderly woman panicked and ran out of the kitchen after her clothes caught fire.

“A neighbour who heard her screaming later rushed to her homestead and helped her remove the burning clothes,” said a relative.

Her nephew who only identified himself as Moyo said his aunt died from severe burns after being hospitalised for about two weeks at UBH.

He said she sustained burns on her stomach, thighs and back.

Tshuma was first admitted to Plumtree District Hospital and later transferred to UBH.

The area’s councillor Mtshumayeli Ndlovu described the incident as tragic.

“MaTshuma was highly regarded in this community. Her death therefore shocked everyone.

We were really shocked when she passed away as we all thought she would pull through,” said Clr Ndlovu.