Ex-Husband Accused of Setting Fire to Ex-Wife’s Ho...

Ex-Husband Accused of Setting Fire to Ex-Wife’s Home

Munyaradzi Mashiri | Court Correspondent

A 31-year-old man is facing charges of malicious damage to property after allegedly setting fire to his ex-wife’s home, injuring her and destroying property worth US$1,330.

Paul Zuze, of Highfields, appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing a charge of malicious damage to property. He is expected back in court on July 18, 2025.

The complainant is his ex-wife, Dorcas Mutengwa.

The court heard that sometime in November 2024, during the night, Zuze visited Mutengwa at her residence. While in her room, he allegedly requested sexual intercourse, but she refused.

Zuze reportedly took a kitchen knife and threatened to kill her, accusing her of infidelity.

Mutengwa filed a report for breach of a protection order. Zuze was arrested but later released after it was discovered that the address listed in the order differed from the actual place of occurrence.

Following his release, Zuze allegedly threatened to kill Mutengwa and her children by setting her on fire, accusing her of being involved with his brother and other men.

On November 25, around 1:00 AM, the complainant was asleep with her two children when she woke to find her room in flames, with fire spreading from the door and a strong smell of petrol in the air.

She attempted to douse the fire with a bucket of water, but the flames exploded, burning her. She managed to open the door and rescue her children, who sustained minor burns. Mutengwa suffered burns to her face, thighs, and hands.

A co-tenant, who heard an explosion from her room, rushed to help extinguish the fire. Neighbours also responded after hearing someone jumping over the precast wall and fleeing. They reported seeing a man running to a car and speeding off.

The public helped put out the fire and discovered that petrol had been poured under the door and ignited while the family was asleep.

Mutengwa and her children were taken by her brother to ZRP Machipisa, where she filed a report. She was referred to Sally Mugabe Hospital for medical attention.

The fire destroyed several household items, including a 32-inch television, a bed, fridge, kitchen chairs, clothes, blankets, and a kitchen unit. It also damaged four window panes, one electrical plug, and four asbestos roofing sheets.

The total value of the damaged property is estimated at US$1,330.