Harare South family loses house, property, food items to inferno

A family in Ushewokunze, Harare South, is trying to come to terms with the shock of losing everything after a fire swept through their home last Wednesday, leaving them with no shelter and no belongings at the height of the rainy season.

Mr Tawanda Handrisi (38), his wife Faith Karimanzira and their four children could not salvage anything from house, losing blankets, clothes, furniture and even food supplies.

Electricians from the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority have since inspected the scene and a police report has been filed.

Preliminary indications suggest an electrical fault may have sparked the blaze, although investigations are continuing.

Relief for the family came when former Harare South Member of Parliament, Cde Shadreck Mashayamombe, who visited the family and handed over groceries, clothes, blankets, kitchen utensils, 5 000 bricks, bags of maize and a four-plate stove to help them begin rebuilding their lives.

Speaking after the handover, Cde Mashayamombe said he was moved by the family’s circumstances and felt compelled to act urgently.

“I was called by the ZANU PF district chairman, Cde Wilbert Mangandu, informing me about the incident,” he said. “As ZANU PF members, when one of us is faced with such a problem, we come together to help shoulder the problem.

“We come together to help each other and this is why we are here to donate these items which will go a long in ensuring that the family rebuilds the home and starts afresh. That is why I felt compelled to help this family, one of our won in the ruling party, ZANU PF.”

The visibly emotional family expressed deep gratitude for the assistance, saying the support had restored hope at a time they were overwhelmed by despair.

“This help means everything to us,” said Mr Handrisi. “We had reached a point where we did not know where to start. At least now we can begin again.”

George Silundika District chairperson, Cde Mangandu, thanked Cde Mashayamombe for responding quickly, noting the donation would ease the family’s immediate hardships.

He appealed to other well-wishers to continue assisting, as more materials will still be required to rebuild the house and help the family fully recover from the tragedy.

For the Handrisi family, the loss goes beyond property. The fire destroyed his welding machinery, the very tools he relied on to feed his family.

“I was called while I was away around midday and told my house was on fire,” he said quietly, standing beside the blackened structure.

“By the time I arrived, everything had already been destroyed. I was left with nothing at all. Even the equipment I use to earn a living is gone.”

With persistent rains falling across Harare, the situation has been especially difficult for Mr Handrisi and his family.