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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A two-year-old toddler from Dulibadzimu suburb here was on Sunday night killed by a raging fire after an unattended burning candle fell and triggered an inferno at the family’s lodgings.

Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Province Sergeant Thabani Mkhwanazi said the incident occurred around 9pm in the area commonly known as Red Bricks.

He identified the infant as Kelsey Zengeya and that the body had been taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary.

“Initial investigations reveal that on the fateful day, the baby’s mother left her sleeping and went to the house next door. During that time their landlady, lit her room using a candle after which, she went to bath leaving the candle unattended,” he said.

Police suspect that the light fell on the bed setting the room ablaze.

Sgt Mkhwanazi said the fire spread rapidly to other rooms including the one where the toddler was sleeping.

“As a result she was severely burnt. Neighbours tried to rescue her but it was too late as the baby was pronounced dead on admission at Beitbridge District Hospital,” he said.

He said further investigations were underway.

Sgt Mkhwanazi urged members of the public to avoid leaving such lights unattended to avoid the unnecessary loss of life and the destruction of valuable property.