Tinaye Agere
Nyore Madzianike
A SECURITY guard accused of causing the fire that razed Mbare Musika to ashes on the night of October 8, destroying property worth US$5 million, has been denied bail.
Mbare Magistrate Mr Artwell Sanyatwe denied bail to Action Chakauya (35) of Majubeki Houses in Mbare saying he was a flight risk.
Mr Sanyatwe remanded Chakauya in custody to November 5, 2024, pending further investigations.
The State led by Miss Janet Mlambo had opposed granting bail to Chakauya saying he was not likely to stand trial and face the consequences of his negligence upon conviction.
Miss Mlambo told the court that Chakauya was facing a serious offence considering that he caused extensive damage to property, which may induce him to flee the court’s jurisdiction.
She also said there is overwhelming evidence linking him to the offence, as he was seen starting the fire.
Miss Mlambo told the court that releasing Chakauya on bail might reduce public confidence in the criminal justice deliverance considering that the property lost in the fire was a source of income for many people.
Online Reporter