Johnson Progress

Two separate incidents claimed the lives of four individuals in Manicaland province this week. Twin brothers, Jacob and Lincoln Gono, aged two, died in a devastating kitchen hut fire at Gwasha Village, Chimanimani, on August 21, 2025.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the children were playing in the hut while their mother was away at a nearby shop, leaving a pot of sweet potatoes cooking on the fireplace.

“The ZRP confirms a fire incident in which two twin brothers aged two, Jacob and Lincoln Gono, were burnt to death. The kitchen hut was burnt while they were playing on August 21 at Gwasha Village, Chimanimani,” said police spokesperson.

In a separate incident, two artisanal miners, Solomon Mutisi, 49, and Evidence Binde, 29, lost their lives when a mining shaft they were working on collapsed at Plot 1102, Hawling Farm, Penhalonga, Mutare.

The collapse occurred at around 3 am on August 21, with the shaft estimated to be six meters deep.

“The victims, Solomon Mutisi and Evidence Binde, were working in a six-metre-deep shaft at around 3 AM when the accident occurred,” confirmed the ZRP.

The police urge members of the public to be vigilant against fire hazards and ensure that necessary safety precautions are taken to prevent such tragedies.

The authorities have not released any information on the potential causes of the mining shaft collapse.

As the communities mourn the loss of these lives, questions are being raised about the safety measures in place for artisanal mining and the need for increased awareness on fire safety, particularly in rural areas.

The ZRP has launched investigations into both incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.

While no official statements have been made on the potential causes, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures in both domestic and industrial settings.