Early morning horror — Gas explosion claims mother of 3

When a loud bang shattered the early-morning calm in Lobengula West, followed by the piercing screams of a child, one resident instinctively knew tragedy had struck next door.

“I heard the explosion and then a child screaming,” said the neighbour, who asked not to be named.

“I rushed outside and peeped over the wall. There was a child at the gate, crying and asking for help. That’s when we all ran in.”

Inside the home of 42-year-old Samukeliso Mhlanga, neighbours were met with a horrifying scene. Her kitchen had been ripped apart by a gas explosion, windows shattered and flames licking through the room. Mhlanga, a mother of three, lay writhing in pain, badly burnt.

Her 11-year-old daughter, who had been in the bedroom preparing for school, escaped injury but witnessed the aftermath.

“She was screaming, saying her mother was on fire. It was terrifying,” said the neighbour.

Mhlanga was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, days after the incident.

While residents say the explosion occurred as the family was preparing for the school run, police gave an official account of what transpired that fateful Tuesday morning.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that Mhlanga died from injuries sustained in a fire at her Lobengula West home.

“On the early morning of 3 February 2026, Samukeliso Mhlanga, aged 42, was making home-made floor polish inside her house. She left the gas stove unattended while accompanying her child to school,” she said.

Insp Msebele said upon her return, the woman found the house on fire and rushed inside to save another child who was screaming for help.

“As a result, she sustained burns on both hands and face,” said Inspector Msebele. Mhlanga was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she died on Thursday.

Police have since appealed to residents to exercise extreme caution when using gas and open flames.

“We appeal to members of the public to always remain present and alert at all times when using gas and open fires,” said Insp Msebele.

The family of the deceased declined to comment, still grappling with the shock of the sudden loss.

Bulawayo Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo warned that gas-related fires and explosions are on the rise, particularly in high-density suburbs where households are increasingly turning to alternative energy sources amid power cuts and rising electricity costs.

Moyo urged residents to install gas cylinders outside their homes, connected to stoves through proper piping.

“Many gas cylinders on the market do not have essential safety features such as leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves. People must buy gas from reputable companies and use certified installers who follow safety standards,” he said.

He warned against purchasing gas from unregulated street vendors.

“Unfortunately, many residents are buying gas from unregulated suppliers, and this can lead to deadly fires and explosions,” said Moyo. *_-Herald_*