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Man tries to kill three daughters

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Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly locking himself and his three minor daughters up in a hut before setting it ablaze on Monday after being dumped by his wife.

KAROI — Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly locking himself and his three minor daughters up in a hut before setting it ablaze on Monday after being dumped by his wife.

Own Correspondent

Mashonaland West Province police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the arrest of Vengai Matare of Zindanga village, Chief Dendera, Hurungwe district, for attempted murder.

Police said Matare attempted to kill himself and his daughters Clara (9), Ropafadzo (7) and Nothando (2) after his wife deserted the family home over an undisclosed matter.

It is alleged on the fateful day, Matare locked himself and his daughters in the kitchen before setting alight the thatched roof. “Accused reportedly took a burning log from the fireplace and torched the thatched roof.

“Within a few minutes, the entire hut was engulfed by fire and the children started screaming for help,” said Mabgweazara, adding an alert neighbour Austin Ruzvidzo (32) rushed to the scene and forced the door open before rescuing all occupants. They were unhurt. “According to neighbours, Matare accused his estranged wife of prostitution and before the arson, he had repeatedly said the three girls would not die in an inferno if they were indeed his daughters,” he said.

The matter was reported to Magunje police who attended the scene and arrested the suspect.