Sharon Jiyamwa-Herald Reporter
A 57-year-old Harare man, Clement Mareya, has appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing two counts of malicious damage to property resulting in damages worth US$7 000.
Mareya allegedly destroyed a house under construction and a tuckshop in Warren Park D, belonging to Alouis Chakarisa and Makado Harmfree, respectively.
Mareya, who was in the company of people posing as City of Harare police, allegedly approached Chakarisa on July 28 at his, claiming ownership of the land before destroying his house valued at US$3 000.
The accused allegedly left after demolishing the house. Chakarisa then checked with the City of Harare, which disowned the officials and indicated that the act was unlawful, and 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 a loss of US$4 000.
The State alleges 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, 2026. 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 and alleged that he had been among the beneficiaries of stands allocated by land developers.
Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe prosecuted.
