Story by Jeremiah Gora
Mbare Magistrate’s Court yesterday remanded Action Chakauya, the suspect in the Mbare Musika case, in custody after denying him bail, National Prosecuting Authority has said.
In a statement released yesterday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe commented on the recent progression of the Mbare Musika matter.
“Action Chakauya (35) who appeared before the Mbare Magistrate’s Court facing charges of negligently causing serious damage to property as defined in Section 141 of the Criminal Law (Codification And Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 was denied bail this afternoon,” said the statement.
“The complaint in this matter is Mbare Musika Retailers. Allegations are that on the 8th of October 2024, the accused person was manning the premises opposite Mbare Musika Retail Market when he set a fire at one of the main entrances to the Mbare Musika Retail Market close to the precast wall outside the market to warm himself. He lost control of the fire which razed down the Mbare Musika Retail Market. Police investigations led to the arrest of the accused person,” the statement said.
The value of the property destroyed is US $5 million.
The accused person will appear in court again on the 5th of November 2024.
The Glenview trading community has also faced numerous incidents of fire breakouts, with traders experiencing repeated losses of goods and property over time.
