Harare | A toddler left in the care of her 7-year-old brother died in a fire incident after the brother started a fire to heat bathing water.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said on Sunday, Sibongile Bhebhe (45), of plot 23 village 2 Masasa in Mvurwi, left her two children to go to a church service.
At around 4:30 pm, the seven-year-old went into the kitchen and started a fire to boil bathing water.
The sister, a year and seven-month-old baby, Kayron Yuwani, followed into the kitchen.
The fire spread and engulfed the house. The brother managed to escape, but the baby was trapped inside.
A neighbour, Chrispen Sithole (44) saw smoke, rushed to the house, and saw the seven-year-old standing outside, saying the baby was inside.
Villagers gathered and tried to put out the fire, but to no avail.
“Life is precious; safeguard it. We urge parents and guardians to supervise minors or leave them in the custody of responsible people. Negligence by minors is a criminal offence,” said Insp Mundembe.
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