A family home was left in ashes, and two children were burned beyond recognition.
What began as an ordinary day ended in heartbreaking tragedy, the loss of two innocent lives, Ropafadzo Muyengwa (2) and Aldine Muyengwa (5).
Reports say they died after the room where they were sleeping was allegedly set on fire by their father.
The incident in Eastview Phase 10 has left residents deeply shaken and struggling to come to terms with what happened.
The suspect is a 24-year-old man, Gift Muyengwa, who is alleged to have set their cabin on fire, killing his two children.
Reports indicate that Muyengwa had a misunderstanding with his wife, Tsitsi Zuze (22), over an undisclosed issue.
It is further alleged that he stabbed Zuze before setting their cabin house alight.
Reports also say that Muyengwa later stabbed himself, leaving his intestines protruding. Neighbours said that after committing the offence, he remained outside.
His wife, Tsitsi, had to seek refuge from neighbours.
Residents were awakened by her screams as she desperately tried to get help.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspect is now under police guard at a local hospital.
Commissioner Nyathi said investigators are now probing a case of murder after two infants, Ropafadzo Muyengwa (2) and Aldine Muyengwa (5), died following allegations that their father set the room where they were sleeping on fire.
“Preliminary investigations by the Police indicate that the suspect allegedly attacked his wife with a knife while the victims were asleep,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“The wife managed to escape and sought help from neighbours before reporting the incident. Upon her return, she found the cabin cottage engulfed in flames and the bodies of the two children burnt beyond recognition.”
“The suspect was subsequently found outside the burning cabin with injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment under police guard.”
A neighbour, Tariro Fumbisai, said they are shocked as a community.
“This incident has caught us by surprise. When I saw them, they were just settling in, helping one another, living like any other family. Ndazongonzwa vanhu vakuti, vapisira vana mumba,” she said.
“We cannot believe someone could turn against their own children. There are things that can be solved with time and help, not with violence. Tinenge tichitasirira kut vanhu vakanetsa ngavaende kuhama, not kuurayana.”
She added that it is alleged the events began with violence toward the children before the fire was set.
“Zviri kunzi, atanga kucheka vana mutsipa, paazopisa imba. So azozvibayawo iye,” she said.
Another neighbour said they were still trying to understand what went wrong.
“Chiitiko ichi chatibata, sei kuuraya vana vadiki, vana vakuviga dota, vatadzei vana vadiki?” she said.
