The SST informal settlement community is reeling after six family members perished in the fire last night.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
According to reports, Zukiswa Shweni (60), Nyameka Shweni (49), Anele Ngqoshela (31), Avela Shweni (7), Lelokuhle Shweni (2 years) and Liyolatha Shweni (nine months) all died when their shack caught fire in the early hours this morning (just after midnight Saturday 29 July).
Harare Police Station spokesperson Sgt Nosiphiwo Mntengwana said an inquest docket has been opened.
A man, named Siyanda who claimed to be the father of the three children who died in the blaze, said only three family members escaped the fire since they were not in the shack then.
“I am heartbroken by the incident. I am the father of the three children who died here. Their mother was sleeping over at my place. The shack fire started after the load shedding on Friday night 28 July,” explained Siyanda.
He said they were trying to ascertain what caused the shack fire.
“I don’t know how I am going to bury them. Even to rebuild the shack is another struggle because we are unemployed,” said Siyanda.