MYSTERIOUS FIRE BURNS FOR OVER A WEEK AT HOUSE OF JOHANE MASOWE MEMBER

A mysterious fire has been burning in the house of a member of the Johane Masowe Apostolic Church here in Chegutu since last week.

Chegutu Deputy Mayor Edward Dzeka is now appealing to spiritual leaders and clergymen for assistance to extinguish it. The fire has baffled residents of this town and has been blazing since last Thursday in the Ward 12, Kaguvi Phase IV neighbourhood.

Most of the property has been removed from the house while a mattress, which was burnt, can also be seen in the courtyard.

The incident has been attracting quite a sizeable number of members of the neighbourhood.

Dzeka told H-Metro the source of the fire remains a mystery.

“I witnessed this myself, it’s something that doesn’t require our Fire Brigade,” he said.

“The fire started in a refrigerator, ignited a broom and then set ablaze a church garment that the woman intended to wear during her prayers.”

Chegutu Municipal Council Public Relations Officer, Gift Chikaka, said their Fire Brigade attended the scene but noted that the fire had subsided but they were currently monitoring the situation.

“Our team arrived at the house and there was no visible fire, but they did find ashes and soot from burnt property,” said Chikaka A neighbour, who identified herself only as Chihera, said there were concerns the “mysterious fire” could have been caused by charms used to seek wealth.

“People should live a normal life and enjoy the fruits of their labour instead of seeking shortcuts to riches,” she said.

“They must also not pretend to be Christians if they know they are hypocrites. Look what has happened here because of this desire for a quick route to fame and fortune—property, clothing and other household goods have been reduced to ashes.”

Chihera also claimed some anointing water, which was provided by some of the church leaders, failed to douse the flames.

Instead, said Chihera, the fire grew in intensity when the anointing water was poured.

No comment could be obtained from the owner of the house. *_-H-Metro_