MAKONI– Engineer Edmore Chidembo, the chief executive officer of Makoni Rural District Council, has been beset by a series of unfortunate events just four months into his tenure, raising eyebrows and fuelling speculation across the district The troubles began on July 3, 2025, when Engineer Chidembo was involved in a horrific road traffic accident that left him critically injured He is currently under the care of specialist doctors in Harare, recovering from severe leg injuries sustained in the crash The injuries required an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) procedure, a surgical technique to realign and stabilise broken bones using internal fixtures to aid healing
Just as he was on the road to recovery, disaster struck again last Friday His official residence, located along the Harare-Mutare Highway in Rusape, was consumed by a devastating fire The inferno destroyed all his household property and belongings, estimated to be worth thousands of dollars, leaving his family without shelter and grappling with uncertainty The Manica Post news crew arrived at Engineer Chidembo’s residence shortly after the house had caught fire, and witnessed the massive blaze engulfing the entire structure
The security guard, domestic worker, and Engineer Chidembo’s 12-year-old son watched helplessly as the fire razed the tiled seven-roomed house to the ground, reducing all property to ashes Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said preliminary findings suggest that a lit candle may have fallen onto the bed, sparking the night inferno “On July 18, 2025 at around 6pm, a security guard employed by Makoni RDC – Mr Luke Kunyaura (53) – commenced duty at Number 261, Chimurenga Street, Rusape,” he explained “The seven-roomed house belongs to Makoni RDC and is being occupied by its chief executive officer, Engineer Edmore Chidembo
On the same day round 8pm, Mr Kunyaura noticed fire in the room occupied by the juvenile He opened the back door of the house which was not locked and went inside He managed to take him out safely together with Ms Natsai Masenda (27), who is a domestic worker, and was in a separate room Mr Kunyaura called the fire brigade, which arrived at around 8.40pm, when the fire had totally engulfed the house
The fire brigade managed to extinguish the inferno, but nothing was recovered from the house It is suspected that the juvenile did not extinguish a candle he was using to illuminate his room since there was no electricity The candle fell and lit the bed, causing the fire All the household property was burnt and reduced to ashes
Investigations are still underway,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka The series of misfortunes has prompted mixed reactions, with some expressing sympathy for the administrator, while others speculate about workplace politics or even superstitious forces at play Engineer Chidembo’s relatively quick ascent to the top job at Makoni RDC has also fuelled whispers of suspicion, with some suggesting he may have ruffled feathers or stepped on the toes of powerful interests within and outside the council In the wake of the fire, Makoni RDC councillors, church members, and friends have mobilised resources to provide immediate relief to Engineer Chidembo’s family
Efforts are underway to find a more permanent solution to their housing situation as their breadwinner continues to recuperate in Harare Makoni RDC chairperson, Councillor Ellah Hlanguyo, said the council stands in solidarity with Engineer Chidembo during this difficult time She also disclosed that the damaged house was insured for US$400 000, and the insurance company is currently assessing the damage Additionally, the extensively damaged Toyota Fortuner was also insured
“We are providing comfort to our chief executive officer, and mobilising resources to help replace the destroyed property, while we process the insurance papers The council house was insured for US$400 000 by Nicoz Diamond, although I am unsure if the policy covers both the building and household property,” Councillor Hlanguyo explained Source: My Zimbabwe
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Source: Myzimbabwe
