Three die from charcoal brazier fumes in Goromonzi while sleeping

A brazier, also known as mbaura in Shona or imbawula in Ndebele

HARARE – Three members of one family have died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a charcoal brazier was left burning as they slept in their one-roomed house in Goromonzi, an official said on Sunday.

Government spokesman Ndavaningi Mangwana said the incident happened at Tafirenyika Village in Chief Chikwaka’s area in Goromonzi on October 2.

The deceased are Thulani Richard Mugugu, 50, Kelly Phiri, 12, and Allison Mugugu, who was 1 year 9 months.

“The four retired to bed around 9PM in their one-roomed house, leaving the brazier burning for warmth,” Mangwana said.

Petronella Tatenda Antonio, 30, Thulani’s wife, survived. She is the mother of both children. Kelly was from her previous union while Allison was Mugugi’s child.

It was not immediately clear how she survived.

Antonio is receiving counselling, Mangwana said.

He added that Goromonzi police attended the scene and “no foul play [is] suspected.”

The bodies were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Mangwana said the bereaved family faces further hardship.

“The family is destitute and traumatised, unable to fund burial,” he said.

“Mbaura (brazier) kills, please let’s take caution.”