Mysterious Flames Consume Mhondoro Homestead, Family Pleads for Help

A Mhondoro family has abandoned its homestead after a series of unexplained blazes erupted without warning over two weeks, destroying houses, food stocks and vital documents — a chilling ordeal that has left them homeless, fearful and pleading for help.

The outbreaks began at the home of Roy Mashaka (42) in Sabhuku Mashaka Village under Chief Nyamweda and, over several days, consumed the bedroom, kitchen hut, goat kraal and chicken run, leaving the family of six without shelter.

With no electricity at the homestead, an electrical fault has been ruled out, and the cause remains unknown. The family has sought refuge with neighbours as a precaution.

Mashaka recalled that the first blaze struck in broad daylight inside their bedroom while he was at home.

“The fire suddenly flared up, went out on its own, and then returned days later to burn down the entire house,” he said.

He added that the flames reignited on separate occasions, destroying more structures.

Five days later, the inferno resurfaced at night and engulfed the goat kraal.

“We rushed to rescue the animals, but days afterwards the kitchen hut also went up in flames,” Mashaka explained.

The repeated outbreaks forced the family to abandon the homestead, fearing further disasters even during daylight.

The family lost nearly all household goods, including beds, wardrobes, blankets, clothing, children’s school uniforms and food stocks.

“We lost everything — birth certificates, school documents and even the welding machine I used for work,” Mashaka said.

Fertiliser and seed were also destroyed, crippling their farming plans for this season and leaving them without means to prepare their fields.

Mashaka, who lives with his wife and four children, said attempts to extinguish the blazes failed as they would reignite days later.

He explained that he sought prayers, but protective items placed at the homestead were mysteriously unearthed and scattered.

“We were told that a close relative had obtained Sandawana charms and joined Satanism, and now I am said to be the target for death,” he said.

Some villagers have linked the fires to suspected sorcery, though no official cause has been confirmed.

Village head Peter Mashaka (67) confirmed the incidents, saying the homestead of his late elder brother’s son was repeatedly struck by mysterious flames.

“The houses and property were destroyed on different days, including the goat kraal, and the family eventually fled to neighbours out of fear and because they no longer had shelter,” he said.

The village head stressed that the homestead has no electricity connection, ruling out power faults as the cause.

He appealed for urgent assistance, saying the family now needs food, blankets and clothing to survive as they rebuild.

Local leaders have echoed the call, urging well‑wishers to come forward with support.

-Kwayedza