Suspects Arrested for Setting Fire to Vehicles Outside Chivayo, Tagwirei, and Mangudya Offices
Four men appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, facing charges of malicious damage to property after allegedly attempting to set fire to several properties linked to prominent businessmen on March 28, 2025.
The accused, Last Matarutse (40), Abel Jobe (47), Kizito Chinhanga (40), and Thomas Chanetsa, all from Chitungwiza, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Prosecutors allege that the four men targeted properties linked to businessmen associated with Zanu PF, including Wicknell Chivayo, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and Kuvimba Mining CEO John Mangudya.
The incidents occurred just hours after war veteran Blessed Geza publicly accused Chivayo and Tagwirei of being “criminals around the president”.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):
- Matarutse allegedly drove a silver Toyota Corolla to IMC Communications at 42 Lanack Road, Avondale, a company owned by Chivayo. He reportedly set the vehicle on fire at the entrance gate, damaging the lighting system and a signpost labelled “Starlink Authorised Dealer”.
- Jobe is accused of targeting Sano Complex in Goromonzi, driving a blue Nissan Sunny. He allegedly parked outside the premises and set the car ablaze, but no significant damage was recorded.
- Chinhanga allegedly drove a blue Nissan X-Trail to Sakunda Holdings at 11 Argyle Road, Avondale, a business associated with Tagwirei. He is said to have ignited his vehicle near the entrance in an attempt to destroy the property.
- Chanetsa is accused of attempting to burn down a DA Service Station at 486A Glennara Avenue, North Highlands, Harare. He allegedly parked at the forecourt and set his car on fire, but the flames were extinguished before causing significant damage.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests. The suspects remain in custody as they await their bail hearing.
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