Intoxicated Chimanimani Woman Arrested for Setting Hut Ablaze, Killing Disabled Mother
CHIMANIMANI – A 72-year-old woman died in a hut fire in Chimanimani on July 3, 2025, allegedly started by her intoxicated daughter.
The suspect, Sekai Mukonya (44), is accused of setting the thatched kitchen roof ablaze while both her disabled parents were inside.
The victim, Norah Mukonya, who had suffered a stroke, was unable to escape and died at the scene. Her husband, John Mukonya (79), managed to flee unharmed.
The incident occurred around 8pm after Sekai reportedly returned home drunk from a beer binge.
Police say she expressed her intent to burn the kitchen hut without provocation.
“She saw her mother seated in the kitchen hut with her father, John Mukonya. For no apparent reason, the accused said she wanted to set the kitchen hut on fire.
“She took a burning wood from the fireplace, went out and lit the hut’s thatched roof from outside,” said Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka.
He added: “Her father managed to escape, but the mother, who was disabled due to a stroke, could not. He called his son Boniface (44) for help, but the hut was already engulfed in flames. Norah was burnt to death.
“The matter was reported to ZRP Cashel Valley. Police responded and arrested the suspect. The deceased’s body was taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital for post mortem. Investigations are still ongoing.”
Local sources claim that Sekai had a long-running dispute with her parents, allegedly blaming them for misfortunes in her life.
The motive remains unclear and is still under police investigation.
Source: Manicapost
