A 48-year-old man is fighting for his life in Lundazi District Hospital after a suspected arson attack reduced his home to ashes.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, Jackson Nyirenda had returned from a drinking spree with his wife, Mary Vuma, around 20hrs on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The couple ate dinner and retired to bed, unaware of the horror that awaited them.
At midnight, their 16-year-old son wokeup screaming uncontrollably.
By the time Jackson stirred, the entire grass-thatched house was engulfed in smoke and flames.
Disoriented and choking, the 48-year-old scrambled to escape the inferno but sustained serious burns to his body.
In the chaos, he realized his wife was missing from their matrimonial bed.
The blaze destroyed property valued at K4,550.
Jackson was rushed to Nkhanga Rural Health Centre for first aid before being referred to Lundazi District Hospital, where he remains in critical condition but is responding to treatment.
His wife Mary only surfaced at around 21hrs just as her badly burned husband was being evacuated.
Police have launched investigations and no arrests have been made.
By Samuel Khwawe
