Three members of the same family have died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after a charcoal brazier was left burning overnight in their one-roomed house in Goromonzi.
The incident occurred at Tafirenyika Village, under Headman Chinyika in Chief Chikwaka’s area, on the night of Friday, 2 October.
Government spokesman Ndavaningi Mangwana on Sunday said the victims suffocated after inhaling fumes from the brazier, known locally as mbaura, which had been left alight for warmth.
The deceased have been named as Thulani Richard Mugugu, 50, Kelly Phiri, 12, and Allison Mugugu, aged one year and nine months.
According to Mangwana, the four family members retired to bed at around 9 pm, leaving the brazier burning inside the room.
Petronella Tatenda Antonio, 30, Mugugu’s wife and mother to both children, survived. It remains unclear how she escaped.
Kelly was Antonio’s child from a previous relationship, while Allison was her child with Mugugu.
Mangwana said officers from ZRP Goromonzi attended the scene. The bodies were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
Mangwana urged the public to exercise caution, warning: “Mbaura kills – please, let’s take caution.”
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