Mbare house caught fire during a dispute over selling space

A rival's house was allegedly doused with gasoline by a gang before it was set on fire, almost turning a quarrel over space into a tragedy on Saturday in Mbare. Accused Judge Chihwai (26) was charged with malicious property damage when he appeared before Mr. Donald Ndirowei, the regional magistrate in Harare. He was released on US$500 bond yesterday until April 11 for routine remand. On Saturday night, at approximately 11 p.m., according to state prosecutor Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti, Chihwai and his accomplices Bright Nyausoko, Blessing Charakupa, and Brendon—all of whom are still at large—came up to Jerry James, a 28-year-old employee of the Vito complex in Mbare, where the gang members also operate.

James was in his car at Liquor Palace, Stoddart complex, Mbare, when the four, armed with stones, approached with the intention of attacking him after an apparent mistake. James left in his fast car and proceeded to ZRP Stoddart to call the police. However, Samantha Musawaro, James' wife of 28 years, called him while he was at the police station to inform him that Chihwai and his cronies were at their residence, hurling stones at the front door while yelling and making threats to kill James. After that, they departed. At the time of all happened, James was at the police station.

The foursome returned at three in the morning, sprayed gasoline on the drapes, and lit them. Burned were a sofa, five blankets, curtains, a clothes basket, and a coffee table. Next day, Chihwai was taken into custody in Mbare.