In a dramatic turn of events, four men appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with malicious damage to property after allegedly attempting to burn down properties owned by prominent Zanu PF-linked businessmen.
The incident occurred on March 28, 2025, just hours after war veteran Blessed Geza publicly named two of the targeted businessmen, Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, as “criminals around the president”(Zvigananda).
Last Matarutse, 40, Abel Jobe, 47, Kizito Chinhanga, 40, and Thomas Chanetsa, all residents of Chitungwiza, were remanded in custody after being advised to seek bail at the High Court.
They were not required to plead to the charges during their appearance before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the four men allegedly drove vehicles to the targeted locations and set them on fire in an attempt to destroy the properties.
The properties included the offices of Chivayo, Tagwirei, a DA petrol station allegedly linked to Tagwirei, and a business complex belonging to Kuvimba Mining CEO John Mangudya in Goromonzi.
The prosecution alleges that Matarutse intentionally set his vehicle on fire outside Chivayo’s IMC Communications company, causing damage to the lighting system and a sign post. Jobe is accused of attempting to burn down the Sano Complex in Goromonzi, while Chinhanga allegedly set his vehicle on fire outside Tagwirei’s Sakunda Holdings. Chanetsa is accused of attempting to burn down the DA Service Station in North Highlands, Harare
