By Felix Mwatutsa

MARONDERA– Police in Mashonaland East are investigating a suspected case of malicious damage to property following an incident in which an unknown suspect set fire on a thatched hut in Zhakata Village, Sadza in Hwedza.

It is reported that Watson Tsvangirai, whose hut was set on fire, had been involved in a long-standing dispute with four other family members from his lineage over the position of headman since 2013.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident, stating that the total value of the property destroyed is US$3 972, and that investigations are currently underway.

He said: “On January 20 this year around 6pm, Watson Tsvangirai attended a funeral in Chirasata area, Sadza, leaving his wife, Eurita Magauri (57) at their homestead. On the next day, an unknown suspect set fire on Tsvangirai’s thatched hut, where his wife and two grandchildren were sleeping.

“The hut also served as a storage room, containing various food items. Upon noticing the fire, Magauri rescued the two granddaughters and alerted neighbours Margret Gwara and Anna Banda. The neighbours went on to assist her extinguish the flames.”

Property that was stored in the hut included 90 x 50kg bags of wheat meant for Presidential drought relief, 12 x 50kg bags of fertilizer, a new ATA motorbike, a buffalo bicycle, a 4-plate gas stove, US$55 cash and a wardrobe.

Magauri reportedly later informed his husband about the unfortunate incident, resulting in him making a subsequent report at ZRP Sadza who attended the scene.

Police officers who attended the scene observed that there were no footprints or suspicious signs, and no exhibits were found at the scene.