Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Three vehicles, including one belonging to a police officer, were set on fire in Chiwaridzo suburb of Bindura early Thursday morning in a suspected case of arson.
The incidents occurred between 2 am and 4 am. One of the vehicles was reduced to a shell while the other two were moderately damaged.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear and police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe reported that the first victim, Mr Robson Muchuchu, a 27-year-old artisanal miner from Chiwaridzo, parked his red Honda Fit (registration number AEV-2650) at his house around 8 pm on Wednesday.
At approximately 2:45 am, his neighbour, Ms Adella Mbizvo, noticed that the car was on fire and rushed to alert him.
Mr Muchuchu attempted to extinguish the fire with water, but the blaze became uncontrollable. The vehicle was reduced to a shell and he incurred an estimated loss of US$2 000.
The second victim Ms Wimbiso Kamhuka (41), parked her silver Nissan AD Van (AGI-7299) at her home on Wednesday evening and was alerted by her neighbour, Mr Ngoni Mugumere, that her car was on fire around 3:30 am.
Prompt action from neighbours prevented the total destruction of the car.
The third victim, Constable Soka (34), who is stationed at ZRP Mashonaland Central Provincial Operations, also parked his white Nissan Liberty (ACK-4416) outside his home on Wednesday night and was alerted that his car was on fire by his neighbour Ms Martha Banyera, around 3:17 am.
Community members helped extinguish the fire but the rear boot area of the car was damaged.
Officers from ZRP Chiwaridzo, in collaboration with CID Bindura, responded to the scene and forensic teams have been called in to assist with the investigation.
Inspector Mundembe said no arrests have been made so far and condemned the attacks as acts of sabotage.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from wanton destruction of property and to engage in peaceful dialogue where disputes exist,” said Inspector Mundembe.
He also appealed for information that may lead to the apprehension of the culprits. He called on residents to strengthen neighbourhood patrols to curb criminal activities.
Anyone with information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station.
