Roseline Mutare
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Masvingo Province has recorded 71 veld fires and lost 27 400 hectares to veld fires since the fire season began on July 1, 2023, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said.  
Masvingo Environmental Education and Publicity Officer Munyaradzi Mtisi confirmed the matter to The Mirror. He said a veld fire killed an elderly Gutu woman.
“The fire season runs from July 1 to October 31 every year. To date, we have recorded 71 veld fire incidents. The total hectarage lost is 27 426.39 hectares. A 78-year-old woman died in a veld fire in Gutu Ward 7 on August 1, 2023,” he said.
Most of the veld fires are the result of land clearings and suspected illegal hunting.
Mtisi also added that EMA is working with several stakeholders around the province to curb veld fires.
“We have not stopped raising awareness and we continue doing so until the end of the season. We are working with law enforcement agencies to punish all those who violate standing laws on veld fire management,” he added.