daniel chigunwe
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
Police in Headlands have arrested a 22-year-old man, who allegedly set his neighbour’s thatched hut on fire while the occupants were asleep.
Acting Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and identified the suspect as Godfrey Musengiwa (22) of Village 5, Jongwe, Headlands.
According to police reports, the family had retired to bed around 8 pm on October 26 when, at around 11pm, Musengiwa allegedly went to their homestead and set the thatched bedroom hut ablaze before fleeing unnoticed. Gondwe was awakened by the smell of smoke and managed to alert his family before they escaped.
The complainant, Gresham Gondwe (48), his wife Violet Moyo (42), and their four children managed to escape unhurt.
Neighbours helped to put out the fire but failed to save household goods, groceries, and bags of maize valued at US$885.
A pair of shoes found at the scene was identified as belonging to the suspect. Villagers later confronted Musengiwa, who allegedly confessed to the crime.
Police commended members of the public for assisting in the arrest and said investigations into the attempted murder case are ongoing.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter