Harare – Local musician Trevor Dongo, affectionately known as the “Ladies Man” for his smooth voice and striking looks, found himself at the centre of a dramatic and dangerous situation on Friday night when a heated lovers’ quarrel at his rented flat in the Avenues area of Harare resulted in a devastating fire.
The incident, which left Dongo and one of his girlfriends with minor burns, has raised serious concerns among fellow tenants about the singer’s behaviour and its impact on their safety.
The saga unfolded when two of Dongo’s lovers reportedly clashed at his apartment. One of the women, identified only as Tanaka, was forced to flee the scene in a state of undress as the situation escalated. In a fit of jealous rage, the other lover allegedly set Dongo’s bed on fire, causing the flames to quickly spread throughout the flat.
Tenants at the block of flats were awoken by the commotion and the smell of smoke, and quickly sprang into action. Residents grabbed buckets of water and bravely battled the blaze while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive. In a desperate attempt to rescue the woman who started the fire, who had become trapped on the first floor balcony, they created a makeshift mattress on the ground below. She was then able to jump from the balcony, sustaining injuries upon landing.
One tenant recounted the harrowing scene: “The girl who set the apartment on fire went to the balcony to make a call and she could not find a way to escape but the other lover ran away naked and one of the residents provided her with clothes. Takazowaridza mattress pasi nyakupisa kwakuzosvetuka kubva mu first floor kuwira mattress asi akakuvara (We spread a mattress on the ground and the arsonist jumped from the first floor onto the mattress, but she was injured).”
Another tenant, speaking to H-Metro, expressed the growing frustration among residents regarding Dongo’s personal life: “As residents, we are urging Trevor Dongo to behave well considering his age and a singer of songs which are loved by our children. Dongo’s lovers have been a nuisance for some time and this time his immorality nearly cost us our lives and damaged our property.”
The tenant further elaborated on previous incidents, highlighting a pattern of disruptive behaviour: “Last time akatizirwa akaramba kuvhurira mukadzi imba nekuti aiveneumwe mukadzi mumba (Last time a woman eloped with him, but he refused to open the door because he had another woman inside).”
The resident added, “The person who bought that flat trusted Dongo to occupy the apartment but his behaviour has become a nuisance to us.”
Dongo himself, along with Tanaka, sustained minor burns during the incident and were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical attention. Efforts to reach them for their side of the story have so far been unsuccessful.
#ZCNEWS : Love Turns to Fire: alleged Trevor Dongo’s Apartment Reportedly Set Ablaze by One Girlfriend, While Another, Engaged, was Trapped Inside; Third Girlfriend Arrived at the Scene.
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Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident, stating: “Police are investigating a case in the Avenues area where all the property in the bedroom, lounge, toilets and kitchen were destroyed by fire. A local musician and his girlfriend sustained minor burns. They were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical attention.”
The fire caused extensive damage to the apartment, with reports indicating that virtually all the property in the bedroom, lounge, toilets, and kitchen was destroyed. The incident has left Dongo facing not only potential legal repercussions but also the daunting task of rebuilding his life after the fire.
The incident raises serious questions about Dongo’s responsibility as a public figure and the impact of his personal life on those around him. While his musical talent has earned him a devoted following, his recent behaviour has drawn criticism and raised concerns about his suitability as a role model, particularly for young people.
The police investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what charges, if any, will be brought against the woman who allegedly started the fire.
