Octogenarian Burnt Alive By A Grass Fire That He Lit

An 84-year-old man from Mupariri Village under Chief Nyashanu in Dorowa, Buhera, was burnt to death after a fire he had started to clear grass near his cattle pen suddenly changed direction.

Manicaland acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident to The Chipinge Times.

It is understood that Fibion Munjoma was clearing grass near his cattle pen and making fireguards when he set the grass alight. The wind suddenly blew the fire towards him.

Munjoma tried to run away but tripped and fell and was engulfed by the flames.

His body was later found by Bodmas Mhurira, 61, of the same village.

The case was reported to ZRP Dorowa, and police attended the scene.

Munjoma’s death comes as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) recently warned that Zimbabwe faces an increased risk of destructive veld fires this dry season.

The warning was issued ahead of the launch of the 2026 National Fire Week in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province in May.

EMA said the risk this year is high due to heavy grass biomass from the recent rainy season, coupled with dry and windy conditions expected in the coming months.

“Veld fires are not just seasonal incidents; they are a national threat affecting lives, livelihoods, biodiversity, agriculture, infrastructure and the environment,” EMA said at the time.