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Crime Reporter
A Harare man has been arrested on allegations of burning two haulage trucks that he was guarding after he lit an empty egg crate to get rid of mosquitoes while resting inside one of the vehicles on Saturday night.
Taurai Chimusare (23) was arrested for malicious damage to property and goods worth thousands of dollars were destroyed during the inferno at Pro Choice Logistics along Willowvale Road.
The incident occurred at around 9.30pm.
It is alleged that Chimusare got inside of one of the trucks intending to rest and during the process he lit the empty egg crate before he went to get some water to drink.
When he returned he discovered that the truck, which had a trailer, was on fire and attempted to extinguish the fire using a bucket of water, but failed.
The fire then spread to the other truck which had a tanker. Alert neighbours informed the owner who then called the police leading to Chimusare’s arrest.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and the arrest.
“A man who negligently damaged two trucks by fire on November 7, 2020 was arrested by police in Harare.
“While on duty, the suspect lit an empty crate of eggs to get rid of mosquitoes into an ERF horse and went outside to drink some water.
“On his return, he found the vehicle on fire, which then spread to another vehicle that was parked nearby.
“His efforts to put out the fire were fruitless.
“Members of the public are advised to always exercise safety at the work place,” he said.
He said Chimusare will appear in court soon once investigations have been finalised.
The value of property destroyed is still being ascertained.
Online Reporter