Four Chitungwiza Men Charged for Arson Att@cks on Tagwirei, Chivayo Properties
Four Chitungwiza Men Charged for Arson Att@cks on Tagwirei, Chivayo Properties – Four men from Chitungwiza have been charged with malicious damage to property after allegedly setting vehicles on fire outside business premises owned by high-profile tenderprenuer Wicknell Chivayo and petroleum tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
The suspects—Last Matarutse (40), Abel Jobe (47), Kizito Chinhanga (40), and Thomas Chanetsa—appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Wednesday. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The incidents occurred on March 28, 2025, and targeted properties linked to controversial figures.
The suspects allegedly drove vehicles to the locations and set them ablaze in what appears to have been a coordinated attack.
Targeted Properties
Authorities say Matarutse drove a silver Toyota Corolla to the IMC Communications company premises at 42 Lanack Road, Avondale—owned by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
He allegedly set the vehicle on fire at the entrance, damaging the lighting system and a signpost labeled “Starlink Authorised Dealer.”
Jobe allegedly went to Sano Complex in Goromonzi, a business site owned by Kuvimba Mining CEO John Mangudya.
He drove a blue Nissan Sunny, parked outside, and set it alight. The vehicle exploded, but no damage was recorded to the building.
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Chinhanga is accused of targeting petroleum tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s Sakunda Holdings headquarters at 11 Argyle Road, Avondale.
Prosecutors say he parked his blue Nissan X-Trail at the entrance and ignited the fire, allegedly intending to burn down the entire facility.
Chanetsa reportedly attempted to torch DA Service Station at 486A Glennara Avenue, North Highlands. Prosecutors allege he set his vehicle on fire at the forecourt of the service station, but the fire was extinguished before it could cause damage.
Political Context
The att@cks allegedly happened just hours after war veteran Blessed Geza publicly accused Chivayo and Tagwirei of being “criminals around the president.”
The National Prosecuting Authority is handling the case, and investigations are ongoing.
