Police Release Names Of Six Girls Killed In Suspected Gas Explosion In Chipinge

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the names of six girls who died in a house fire in Bamhamire Village, Chipinge.

The children, aged between six and 16, were reportedly sleeping when the fire broke out at around 2am on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Also Read: Tragedy As Six Schoolgirls Die In Chipinge House Fire After Suspected Gas Explosion

Police Release Names Of Six Victims

In an update, Zimbabwe Republic Police identified the children as Linece Pferedzai (14), Lisa Pferedzai (10), Nyasha Sithole (16), Princess Mutisi (6), Sarudzai Njayinjayi (16) and Velarida Mandongwe (7).

All six were from Bamhamire Village under Chief Mutema in Chipinge.

However, the police said DNA tests were still needed to conclusively establish their identities. The results will also help the family make the necessary burial arrangements.

Family Suspects Gas Cylinder Explosion

The girls were sleeping in a seven-roomed house at the St Luke’s Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church Shrine when the fire broke out.

The rest of the family had reportedly travelled to Chiredzi to attend a church service, leaving the children at the homestead.

A family representative, Osbrain Pferedzai, said a gas cylinder was suspected to have exploded, triggering the fire that gutted the house and destroyed its contents.

Speaking after the tragedy, he said the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

The bodies were taken to a mortuary, while the girls’ mothers were taken to hospital for DNA testing to assist with identification.

Six Victims Were From The Same Family

The tragedy has claimed the lives of six girls from the same extended family.

Two of the children were daughters of church leader Archbishop Phillip Pferedzai, while another two were his granddaughters. The remaining victims were sisters of his wife.

The police said further details would be released as they become available.