Dumisani Ndlovu
LOWER GWERU — True courage knows no age as happened when a brave six-old girl, rescued her trapped two siblings – one disabled, after their hut was struck by a bolt of lightning at Mdubiwa, Ward 7, in Lower Gweru last week.
The heroine, Mercy Gwebu, came to the rescue of her siblings – a two-year-old, and a six-month-old—one of whom has a disability, when their hut caught fire, at a time when their grandmother was away at work.
Mercy’s act of bravery won the hearts of local villagers including the Ward Councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda.
Her grandmother, Siphiwe Sibanda, a local clinic worker, had left the children alone in the hut when the lightning struck.
While many adults might have panicked, young Mercy acted swiftly and decisively.
“I had left them when I went to work. I left three children—a six-year-old, a two-year-old, and a six-month-old—one of whom has a disability. I instructed them to seek refuge in the house when it rains,” she explained.
When Mercy realised the hut had caught fire, she stormed in without hesitation to rescue her trapped siblings. As flames spread rapidly, fueled by the thatched roof and wooden structure, Mercy skillfully navigated the perilous environment, guiding her siblings to safety.
“I am grateful for my granddaughter’s courage. She has shown us that even in the darkest moments, hope and heroism can shine through,” Gogo Sibanda said.
Local Councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda applauded the young girl’s extraordinary actions.
“It’s unbelievable. When the villagers arrived, they found the two younger girls shaken but alive, thanks to their sister’s quick thinking. The disabled child, who required special care, was especially vulnerable, but the six-year-old ensured her safety above all,” Councillor Sibanda said, paying tribute to Mercy’s bravery.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as miraculous.
“We arrived to find the hut engulfed in flames. Initially, we thought the kids were trapped inside, but that little girl had already rescued her siblings. It was incredible,” shared a neighbour who preferred to remain anonymous.
The villagers, overwhelmed with gratitude, praised Mercy’s selfless act.
“She did what many adults couldn’t do. Her bravery saved two precious lives,” said another villager, Mandlela.
As news of the rescue spread, the community banded together, offering support and assistance to the family. Although shaken by the ordeal, Mercy’s parents brimmed with pride.
New Ziana
