In a harrowing incident in Highfield, Harare, a man is fighting for his life at Parirenyatwa Hospital after setting himself on fire in an attempt to kill his family.
Desmond Chendambuya, a 40-year-old resident of ZRP Highfield, was remanded from his hospital bed and is now facing charges of attempted murder.
The incident unfolded after an argument between Chendambuya and his wife, Melody Ncube.
According to NewZimbabwe, the conflict escalated when Chendambuya ordered his wife to unlock her phone, but she refused. In a fit of rage, he seized the phone and smashed it against the floor. The situation quickly spiralled out of control.
According to court documents, Chendambuya then took his 5-year-old daughter into another room, locking the door from the inside. In a shocking turn of events, he proceeded to the kitchen, where he opened a 9kg gas tank while the rest of the family remained trapped in the room. Igniting a cigarette lighter, Chendambuya triggered a devastating fire that engulfed the entire room.
Realizing the danger they were in, Ncube and children managed to escape through a window. Unfortunately, Chendambuya suffered burns when the gas tank he ignited burst during the arson attack. In a desperate bid to flee, he jumped out of the second-floor window of his flat and fled the scene. However, he was apprehended a few hours later.
Chendambuya, groaning in pain from fractures sustained during the jump and burns injuries, was immediately taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical treatment. The incident caused extensive property damage, including a refrigerator, sofa, electric cables, ceiling, window panes, and kitchen utensils.
Harare Magistrate Donald Ndirowei presided over Chendambuya’s case.
