CPU assists fire haunted family

THE Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has decided to assist a family in Mkoba Village 13 in Gweru whose house was gutted by what it claimed was a mysterious fire last week, one of many alleged similar strange incidences at the house since 2013.

Midlands Provincial Administrator, Mrs Cecelia Chitiyo-Moyo, confirmed the development yesterday.

“We have CPU officials who have gone to investigate the cause of the fire and also to look at the needs of the family which we understand lost blankets, clothing and food in the fire.

‘‘ The CPU is known for big national disasters but we understand the plight of the family and the need to assist the affected,” said Mrs Chitiyo-Moyo.

“Any form of assistance will be given to the family.”

House number 1225/2 Mkoba Village 13, a two-roomed house owned by Mr Philip Hlabati, was gutted by a fire which he claims mysteriously emanated from an egg.

Mr Hlabati said he was convinced that the egg that was under a bed was the source of the fire.

He said the mysterious fires have been tormenting his family since 2013.

Chief Fire Officer for Gweru, Mr Emmanuel Musemwa last week said they were called to the house following the latest fire incident, but the cause remains unknown.

“We tried linking the fire with electricity or to some other negligence but it didn’t add up.

‘‘It’s not an electrical fault. So the cause is unknown.

‘‘We hear strange things happen at that house and fires mysteriously start,” he said — @pchitumba1.