Silethemba Mlauzi
Matopo High School, a cornerstone of the Brethren In Christ Church (BICC) community, faced a devastating fire on Friday. While the blaze completely destroyed the boys’ dormitory, miraculously all 52 students escaped unharmed.
The fire ripped through the dormitory, leaving a path of destruction. Not only were the living quarters lost, but clothes, uniforms, 52 beds, and even 52 school trunks were all consumed by the flames. The BICC community is understandably shaken, but amidst the tragedy, there’s a flicker of hope – all the students made it out safely.
In a recent press release by the BICC, the community expressed its deep concern for the losses suffered by Matopo High School, while also emphasizing the commitment to transparency in addressing the catastrophe. “The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but we want to assure everyone that we will be transparent and accountable in our approach to this unfortunate incident,” stated a spokesperson for the church.
The BICC further extended gratitude to the swift responders who offered assistance during this trying time. In a direct quote, the church conveyed its appreciation, saying, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Bulawayo City Council for their rapid and efficient response in providing assistance to our community in the aftermath of this tragic event.”
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the BICC remains dedicated to supporting the affected learners and rebuilding the essential infrastructure that was lost in the flames. The church hasn’t released details on how they’ll support the students, but their commitment to transparency suggests they’ll communicate a plan soon.
This heart-wrenching incident has reminded us all of the importance of coming together in times of crisis, and the Brethren In Christ Church is resolute in its commitment to supporting the Matopo High School community throughout the recovery process. The school itself hasn’t commented on how they’ll manage with the loss of the dormitory, but with the BICC’s backing, they’ll likely announce a plan to ensure the students’ education continues as smoothly as possible.
While the fire caused significant damage, the fact that all the students are safe offers some of hope in this dark time.
