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Plumtree Correspondent
A 65-YEAR-OLD granny from Mangwe District lost all her property and harvest when a mysterious fire razed down her homestead.
Bantwanyana Nkomo from Brunapeg area told Chronicle she had just returned from a river to fetch water around 3PM last Monday when she found her homestead engulfed in smoke.

“I stay with five orphaned grandchildren aged between three and 10 years. I had gone to collect water from the river, quite a long distance from my homestead,” she narrated.

“When I returned, I found two huts on fire, one which we used as a granary and another that had all our belongings and valuables.”

She could not explain what caused the fire but says neighbours tried to put out the raging inferno but failed.

“We failed to ascertain what caused the fire because my grandchildren were playing at our neighbour’s homestead when the fire started. They said they didn’t see anyone at the homestead but only saw two huts burning,” said Nkomo.

The elderly woman said she was now stranded with her grand children as all the harvest was destroyed.

“I don’t know how I will manage things without food. That was all I had. I lost all my valuables, birth certificates and school uniforms for the children.

“Our blankets and clothes were also destroyed in the fire. The only property left are kitchen utensils,” she said.

Brunapeg councillor, Thapelo Ngwenya said villagers had resolved to make contributions to assist the family.

“Community members have started making contributions in the form of clothes, money and food. It is a sad incident. She has been struggling to fend for these children. She needs any assistance,” said Ngwenya.