HARARE, Oct 12 (NNN-XINHUA/AGENCIES) — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa heightened the need to develop a national veld fire management strategy after 10 farm workers were burnt to death on Monday in a veld fire in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province.
“A new national strategy is now needed to minimise this growing menace whose risk increased by the day until we get our first rains for the summer season,” Mnangagwa said in a condolence message.
He said both the ministry in charge of environment and the Civil Protection Department must urgently develop a comprehensive response to veld fires.
A total of 15 people who had been called in to fight the fire got trapped as strong winds blew the fire in their direction, resulting in 10 deaths. Four others suffered burns of varying degrees while one escaped unhurt, local media reported.
Zimbabwe is at the peak of its fire season and authorities are advising people against starting veld fires.
In his condolence message, Mnangagwa said the news of the horrific death of 10 workers in a raging veld fire at a farm in Esigodini came to him as a shock.
He said both the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Civil Protection Department have to urgently get together so that a comprehensive response to veld fires is developed across all provinces.
He appealed to all Zimbabweans to desist from starting uncontrolled fires, especially now when the velds are dry and thus highly combustible.
“Where such fires break out accidentally, utmost care must be exercised in fighting them so we do not lose lives in such horrific, heart wrenching ways.
“On behalf of the party, Zanu-PF, Government, my family and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deep, heartfelt condolences to families which have lost their beloved ones in this veld fire incident,” the President said.
“In the same vein, I wish all those nursing burns from the fire speedy recovery. May the souls of the dear departed rest in eternal peace.”
Police yesterday released the names of the 10 victims.
Their bodies were taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for postmortem.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with incidents of veld fires in all parts of the country where lives have been lost and property destroyed in situations which clearly show acts of recklessness, negligence and in some cases, criminal activities.
“Those found to be igniting veld fires will be arrested. The public is urged to be alert and quickly report cases of fires to the police and relevant stakeholders for swift reaction,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. — NNN-XINHUA/AGENCIES
