Business executive and former banker Doug Munatsi has been killed in a house fire, a report said.
Munatsi, CEO of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), was alone when fire engulfed his penthouse on the 9th floor of the Northfields luxury apartments at the corner of Fifth Street and Josiah Tongogara at around 3AM.
In a statement, Northfields Owners Association Chairman Mr C Gardiner announced that there was no electricity at the flat when the fire broke out.
“There was no electricity at the time due to a cable fault. The occupant in C10 heard commotion and noise, and went to his balcony to investigate further. There, he heard from the occupant of C9 that there was a fire and he asked to call the fire brigade.
“At 02.59, the fire brigade was called, and they arrived at 03.11.They fought the blaze for 2 hrs, and despite their efforts, they were unable to save the occupant of C9, who is believed to be Mr Douglas Munatsi.” Read the statement.
Douglas Munatsi is the former BancABC CEO and was appointed ZIDA CEO by President Emmerson Mnangagwa two years ago.
The Northfields Owners Association Chairman added that no more lives were lost as the fire brigade was quick to arrive.
“Thanks must be given to the professionalism and endeavors of the City of Harare Fire Brigade. Without their intervention, is it very likely that more lives would have been lost and more property destroyed.
“The Association has engaged the services of a forensic fire investigator to assess the cause the of the fire.” He said.