Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A Chitungwiza quartet appeared in court separately yesterday charged with arson that occurred at various business premises in the capital on March 31.
Last Matarutse was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova charged with malicious damage to property yesterday.
The court heard that on March 31, at around 2am, Matarutse, with intent to destroy the premises of IMC Communications Company located at 42 Lanack Road Avondale, Harare with fire, drove his silver Toyota Corolla, to the premises.
Upon arrival, Matarutse allegedly parked his vehicle at the premises’ entrance gate and set the vehicle on fire intending to destroy the entire IMC Communications premises thereby causing damage to the lighting system and a sign post inscribed Starlink Authorized Dealer.
Abel Jobe of Zengeza 1 also appeared before the same court accused of driving his Nissan Sunny to the premises of Sano Complex inGoromonzi, where he set alight the vehicle at the entrance.
The car exploded but nothing was destroyed.
Meanwhile, Thomas Chakanetsa of Unit A Chitungwiza appeared before the same court accused of setting his car on fire at the premises of DA Service Station in Highlands.
However, the fire was extinguished before it destroyed any property.
Kizito Chinhanga also appeared before the same court accused of setting his blue Xtrail on fire with intent to destroy the premises of Sakunda Holdings at number 11 Argyle Road, Avondale.
All four were remanded in custody to April 14 pending finalization of investigations.
They were advised to approach the High Court for bail considerations as they are facing a third schedule offense.
