By Rex Mphisa
A Beitbridge communal farmer, one of the biggest contributors to local crop production and a pioneer local supplier’s Beitbridge Fresh Foods market, is lucky to be alive after his Tshapfutshe home was gutted by fire.
Joseph Ndou, aka Kutiraya, of Tshapfutshe dip is currently admitted at Beitbridge Hospital, where family spokesman Thupeyo Muleya said he is recovering.
“He was rushed to hospital with some injuries but he is safe and not in danger. But his home was destroyed completely. He lost everything in the fire,” said Muleya.
“The fire is suspected to have started in the batteries section of his installation and quickly engulfed the home. My uncle was able to rescue his family before he ventured back, attempting to save some documents when he was burnt,” Muleya said.
All the property in the house, including household effects were destroyed in the blaze.
“Its a huge setback, but there was no loss of life luckily. We appreciate the effort of the Beitbridge Fire Brigade but when they arrived, the damage had been extensive,” said Muleya.
Kutiraya, famous in the passenger transport business of yesteryear when he ran several minibuses, has transformed himself into a farmer engaging in year-round cropping.
He is now known for his fresh supplies at the local market, where he has become positively influential to local producers.
Farmers around Tshapfutshe have taken a leaf from his adventures transforming the cropping landscape of their area.
