Brothers’ charges altered to attempted murder for ...

Brothers’ charges altered to attempted murder for burning 10 houses

Two suspects, Edson Madhuveko,28, and Edwin Madhuveko,21, have been arrested in connection with a case of arson for allegedly burning down 10 huts from six different homesteads in Shurugwi district under Chief Nhema on Monday morning.

The duo appeared before court this Tuesday facing charges of malicious damage to property before charges were altered to attempted murder.

The brothers were remanded in custody to the 11th of this month where they are set to appear at the Gweru Magistrates’ courts after being advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The Mahove community in Shurugwi is currently resembling a funeral scene as villagers try to come to terms with the unfortunate incident that befell them after property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed in the inferno.

Village head Mr Abel Gamana said what happened is beyond comprehension.

"This act has drawn us to the days of the liberation struggle. When I woke up after hearing sounds which appeared like gunshots, I was shocked to witness the whole village on fire.

“I had to join others and we started calling for help as we watched several valuables being destroyed. It was really painful to watch such a scene in modern day Zimbabwe. I really can't tell these people's motives.

"This is really frustrating. This happened when we had just concluded our door-to-door campaigns. The most disturbing part is that they are targeting the houses of our leaders of a certain political party.

"My grandchild was sleeping in this hut when it was set alight. He almost died in the inferno. Imagine losing such a precious life. We need the law enforcement agents to bring the culprits to book.

"It looks like a big gang did this, the way they were torching the houses proves that they were many because they lit the houses across the village almost at the same time," some villagers said.

Shurugwi District Development Coordinator, Romeo Shangwa said the government has already stepped in mobilising resources to assist affected families.

"We understand some of those people were left with nothing. My office is compiling a comprehensive report to ensure that we get to know how we can help the victims," he said.