By Zim GBC News Nutare Correspondent
MUTARE – A 12-year-old girl is battling severe burns at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after twice running into a burning house to rescue three young relatives in a pre-dawn fire that has left her family destitute.
The Bravery That Defied Flames
Choice Mutowo, a Grade Six pupil at Chitakatira Primary School, became trapped in the fire after accidentally igniting blankets while preparing porridge on a gas stove in her bedroom around 5AM Sunday. Despite sustaining burns, she:
🔥 Threw the flaming stove outside
🚪 Broke down the bedroom door
👧 Carried out 5-year-old Pretty Mufabeni
🪟 Helped 10-year-old Nigel Ndima escape through a window
👶 Pulled 2-year-old Nishas Ndima from under a bed
“She didn’t just wake up and run. She fought through fire to save lives,” said Sinikiwe Mufabeni, mother of one rescued child.
A Family’s Desperate Plight
The fire destroyed the Mutowo family home in Dangamvura, where Choice lives with her elderly parents and 10 grandchildren. Her mother Jane revealed their dire circumstances:
“My husband is old and sickly. He tried to crawl to the fire but collapsed. Now we need US$30 daily just for Pretty’s medication.”
Choice underwent emergency surgery Tuesday to prepare her burns for skin grafts. While Nigel and Nishas were discharged, Choice and Pretty remain hospitalized with critical injuries.
Community Rallies Behind Hero
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Women’s Network donated blankets, food, and medical funds on Tuesday.
“We were moved by her bravery,” said Chief Superintendent Estina Chikonzo.
“But they need more help.”
How to Assist
Donations for medical bills and rebuilding can be directed to:
📞 Jane Mufabeni Mutowo: 0779 103 611
📞 Sinikiwe Mufabeni: 0778 637 386
Zim GBC News©️2025
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s saving lives despite it.”