Five Family Members Die in Mbaura Disaster in Zvishavane
ZVISHAVANE – Five members of a family from Mabasa village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, Midlands Province, were found dead on Sunday night after reportedly suffocating from toxic fumes while warming themselves inside a hut using a mbaura (charcoal brazier).
The deceased included a father employed at Unki Mine in Shurugwi, his two children, and two grandchildren.
The family had travelled to their rural home, where one of the children was preparing for an upcoming move to the United States to begin university.
Local sources who spoke to The Midweek Watch revealed that the brazier had been lit inside a tightly sealed hut to fend off the cold evening air.
However, with no ventilation, the brazier emitted carbon monoxide which silently built up during the night.
All five family members, who were sleeping in the same room, are believed to have died in their sleep, with the tragedy discovered the following morning.
According to The Midweek Watch, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was making enquiries with police in the Midlands Province and would release more details once the investigation is complete.
Following the incident, authorities have renewed warnings to the public, urging extreme caution when using braziers and similar heating devices in enclosed spaces.
They emphasized that such practices continue to pose serious health risks, especially during the winter season when temperatures drive increased use of these heating methods.
