Sharon Jiyamwa
H-Metro Reporter
A 57-year-old Harare man, Clement Mareya, appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing two counts of malicious damage to property, which resulted in damages worth US$7,000.
Mareya allegedly destroyed a house under construction and a tuckshop in Warren Park D.
The properties belonged to Alouis Chakarisa and Makado Harmfree.
Mareya, who was in the company of people posing as City of Harare police officers, allegedly approached Chakarisa on July 28 claiming ownership of the land before destroying his house valued at US$3,000.
Chakarisa then checked with the City of Harare, which disowned the officials and indicated that the act was unlawful.
He reported the matter at Warren Park Police Station. On the second count, Mareya allegedly demolished Hamfree’s tuckshop, which allegedly contained various grocery items, on August 14, resulting in damages worth about US$4,000.
The State claims that Mareya was also accompanied by individuals purporting to be Harare Municipal Police officers.
Hamfree also reported the matter at Warren Park Police station on September 2.
Nothing has been recovered.
Chakarisa, who identified himself as a shadow councillor in his statement to the police, said he knew Mareya as the chairman of the Warren Park B Collective Cooperative.
Hamfree said he knew Mareya as a land developer.
Lawrence Gangarahwe prosecuted.
