Four Charged Over Vehicle Fires at Chivayo and Tag...

Four Charged Over Vehicle Fires at Chivayo and Tagwirei's Properties

Zim Now Writer

Four men appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with malicious damage to property after allegedly attempting to set fire to buildings owned by businessmen linked to Zanu PF on March 28, 2025.

The incidents occurred just hours after war veteran Blessed Geza had publicly named businesspeople Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo as “criminals around the president.”

The National Prosecuting Authority claims that on March 28, at approximately 2:15 AM, Matarutse, one of the accused, drove his silver Toyota Corolla to IMC Communications’ premises at 42 Lanack Road, Avondale. He parked his vehicle at the entrance gate and set it on fire, intending to destroy the entire building, which is owned by Chivayo. The fire caused damage to the lighting system and a signpost that read “Starlink Authorized Dealer.”

Later that same day, Jobe, another accused individual, drove a blue Nissan Sunny to Sano Complex in Goromonzi. He allegedly set his vehicle on fire outside the complex, resulting in an explosion, though no property was damaged.

Chinhanga, another defendant, drove a blue Nissan X-Trail to Sakunda Holdings, owned by Tagwirei, at 11 Argyle Road, Avondale. He parked his vehicle at the premises’ entrance gate and set it on fire, with the intent to destroy the building. However, the fire was contained before it caused significant damage.

The final accused, Chanetsa, allegedly targeted DA Service Station on Glennara Avenue in North Highlands, Harare, at the same time.

He parked his vehicle in the forecourt and set it on fire, hoping to destroy the service station. However, the fire was extinguished before it could cause any damage.