Story by Tafara Chikumira
VILLAGERS in Shurugwi District under Chief Nhema have been left counting their losses after suspected arsonists burnt down 10 huts at six different homesteads Monday morning.
The Mahove community in Shurugwi is 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.
“What has happened in my area 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 morden day Zimbabwe. I really can’t tell these people’s motive,” said Village Head Mr Abel Gamana.
“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 houses of our leaders. Here they burnt three houses belonging to the ZANU PF district chairlady.
“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 it was 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,” said villagers who spoke to ZBC News.
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,” said Shurugwi District Development Coordinator, Mr Romeo Shangwa.
Meanwhile, two suspects, Edson Madhuveko (28) and Edwin Madhuveko (21) have been arrested in connection with the case and appeared they 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 magistrate courts after being advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
