By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Police in Manicaland are investigating the deaths of two women who were reportedly mentally challenged after a fire broke out in a room where they had been locked in Gombakomba Village on Saturday.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the incident occurred on August 8, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two women aged 18 and 29.
According to police, the two victims were inside the room when the fire broke out. The circumstances leading to the women being locked inside the room, as well as the cause of the fire, have not yet been established.
Their bodies were taken to the Victoria Chitepo Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.
Police said a comprehensive investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has also prompted the police to urge members of the public to take greater care of vulnerable people, particularly those who require special supervision and assistance.
In a separate case, police in Honde Valley arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly vandalising a Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) transformer, highlighting continuing concerns over the theft and destruction of critical national infrastructure.
Police identified the suspect as Innocent Mwadii, who was arrested at about 10:30pm on August 7, 2026, while allegedly vandalising a ZESA transformer in Manzero Village, Honde Valley.
Police said officers recovered a travelling bag containing two bolt cutters, a small DC grinder, a torch, pliers and pieces of copper cable.
The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb vandalism and theft targeting electricity infrastructure, which can disrupt power supplies and expose communities to serious safety risks.
The two incidents were confirmed by the ZRP in Manicaland.