Tragic Incident: Mentally ill man sets hut on fire, throws juvenile inside, resulting in fatality
In a distressing turn of events, a mentally ill man from Zaka in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, went on a rampage, setting a grass-thatched hut ablaze and tragically throwing a young boy into the inferno. The incident, which occurred last Tuesday at around 4 pm, resulted in the child succumbing to severe burns.
Confirming the incident, Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa provided details of the horrifying event. The suspect, identified as Trust Masara, a 58-year-old resident of Machaya Village in Chief Nhema’s area, went to Sakina Nguruve’s homestead, where three children aged nine, seven, and five were playing.
According to Inspector Dehwa, Masara set fire to the grass-thatched hut and then attempted to force the three minors inside. While the two older children managed to escape, the youngest, a five-year-old, fell victim to the suspect’s horrifying actions.
Eyewitnesses reported that Masara, who is known to be mentally challenged, entered the hut with a burning log from a fireplace, ignited the structure, and quickly exited. He then ordered the children to enter the burning hut, but only the youngest child remained. The suspect grabbed the boy and callously threw him into the raging flames.
The child suffered severe burns, but his grandmother rushed to his aid and rescued him from the burning hut. He was immediately taken to Manjoro Clinic, where medical professionals assessed his condition and subsequently referred him to Musiso Mission Hospital. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the young victim succumbed to his injuries.
Following the devastating incident, a report was filed with the police, leading to Masara’s subsequent arrest. Inspector Dehwa took the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of seeking medical attention for mentally ill individuals and ensuring they receive proper care.
“We implore members of the public staying with mentally ill persons to ensure that they are taken to hospital and also assisted to take their medicines according to directives by the health personnel,” Inspector Dehwa emphasized.
