ZRP Names Five Family Members Killed By Mbaura Fumes In Zvishavane

A sombre mood has gripped Gudhuza Village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane District, Midlands Province, following the tragic deaths of five family members who reportedly died in their sleep after inhaling toxic fumes from a fire brazier.

Like many rural families trying to keep warm during the biting winter nights, the household had brought a charcoal brazier, locally known as a “mbaura”, into their room before going to bed.

Sadly, instead of warmth, the brazier is believed to have emitted carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that silently claimed their lives.

Zvishavane District Development Coordinator, Darlington Chokera, confirmed the heartbreaking incident and said authorities were still working to establish the full details.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said:

The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which five family members died at Gudhuza Village, Zvishavane after they had brought a charcoal brazier into their bedroom to warm themselves overnight on 20/07/25. The bodies were taken to Zvishavane District Hospital Mortuary for post mortem.

The victims were identified by their next of kin as Jeremiah Simango (42), John Ncube (57), Nigel Ncube, Denzel Simango (15), and Joedire Simango (8).

Related:

Mbaura kills three family members as they sleep in Goromonzi 21-year-old maid arrested for “stoning” newborn, hiding body in toilet