At least 61 students from Rusunungoko High School in Goromonzi District were left destitute on Friday night after a raging fire destroyed two boys’ dormitories, reducing their belongings to ashes.
The inferno, which broke out while learners were attending evening study sessions, tore through Dormitories 19 and 20, displacing Form Two and Form Three pupils. The affected students lost everything, including school uniforms, stationery, bedding, food, and personal items — only escaping with the clothes they were wearing.
The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation. School authorities suspect it might have been triggered by an electrical fault, though this has not yet been confirmed. A team from ZESA inspected the premises over the weekend but could not immediately determine the source.
School authorities had previously disconnected power sockets in the hostels after reports that some learners were using electric irons and heating elements, making the new fire even more puzzling.
“We are really worried about how this happened because all sockets had been disconnected,” said School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson Mr. Kington Mudondo.
“The two dormitories housed a total of 61 learners, and we are doing our best to ensure they are safe and comfortable.”
Following the incident, the school swiftly arranged temporary accommodation for all affected students.
Some were moved to the school clinic, while others were relocated to common rooms and Upper Six dormitories. Mattresses and basic supplies were provided to ensure the learners had a place to sleep.
In a late-night message to parents and guardians, school administrators confirmed the tragedy and appealed for urgent assistance.
“Dormitories 19 and 20 caught fire this evening while the learners were having their study session,” read part of the school’s WhatsApp notice.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be established. We will provide a full report in due course.”
The following morning, the SDC chairperson sent another message granting parents permission to collect their children temporarily to allow them to replace lost essentials.
“Parents of affected children may take them home to buy uniforms and supplies,” Mr. Mudondo said.
“We are working on a plan to assist with items such as uniforms, shoes, books, stationery, and toiletries. Feedback will be shared once available.”
Parents Speak Out
Several parents visited the school to collect their children and assess the damage.
Among them was Ms. Ruvimbo Gwekwe from Highfield, who expressed distress over the loss.
“My son lost everything in the fire — I had to rush to collect him on Saturday,” she said.
“It’s painful to have to buy a full set of uniforms for just one month before term ends, but there’s nothing we can do.”
Appeal for Support
Zimfep Director, Mr. Gideon Chiukira, under whose authority Rusunungoko High falls, described the incident as a tragedy that calls for immediate action.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened. There’s an urgent need to mobilise resources to provide shelter and essentials for the affected boys,” he said.
Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were unsuccessful, as the ministry’s spokesperson was unreachable.
The Rusunungoko fire marks the third such incident in under a month, following recent dormitory fires at Nyatsime College and Churchill Boys High, both of which left significant property damage and students displaced.
As investigations continue, authorities and stakeholders are calling for enhanced fire safety systems and electrical inspections in boarding schools across the country to prevent further tragedies.
Goromonzi Correspondent
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
