Vongai Masuka

A family of five people died over the weekend from what is suspected to be monoxide poisoning after they slept in a tightly sealed Hut with a charcoal brazier (Mbaura) to combat the cold evening temperatures.

The incident happened in Zvishavane, in Mabasa Village under Chief Masunda where an Unki Mine employee, his two children, and two grandchildren were found dead on Sunday.

Reports indicate that the family had travelled to their rural home, where one of the children was preparing for an upcoming move to the United States of America to begin university studies.

Local sources indicated that the family had lit a mbaura (charcoal brazier) inside a tightly sealed hut to combat the cold evening temperatures. However, the lack of ventilation in the enclosed space is believed to have led to a silent buildup of carbon monoxide during the night.

All five family members, who were sleeping in the same room, are thought to have succumbed in their sleep, with the grim discovery made the following morning.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that he was making inquiries with police in the Midlands Province and would release further details upon the completion of the investigation.