Matopo Family Tragedy: Jealous Girlfriend Sets Couple And Baby On Fire

A Matopo family has been left shattered after a jealous girlfriend allegedly torched a married couple and their one year old baby in a horrific attack that has now claimed two lives.

The devastating incident occurred eight days ago in Matopo, Matabeleland South, leaving the community in shock. The husband, who had been battling for his life at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), died from severe burns, just days after the death of his wife, 23 year ‏old Melissa Ndlovu. Their baby, the only survivor, remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit at the same hospital.

The alleged attacker, Florence Ndlovu from Ntabazinduna, is on the run and wanted by police on two counts of murder. Relatives of the deceased say they are frustrated by what they describe as a slow and inadequate police response.

“We are devastated and desperate for justice. It feels like the police are not doing enough to find her,” said a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We have not received any update since the incident.”

According to reports, Florence, who was allegedly romantically involved with the husband, stormed the couple’s home at a mine in Matopo and doused them with petrol before setting them alight.

Veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who reported on the incident, said the suspect poured petrol on the couple and their toddler before igniting the flames.

“Melissa was pronounced dead upon arrival at UBH, while her husband and baby were admitted to intensive care,” Sibanda said.

The brutal nature of the attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents calling for justice and stronger action from law enforcement to apprehend the suspect.

Meanwhile, the family’s one-year-old child continues to fight for life in hospital, the only survivor of a tragedy that has left an entire community grieving.