Wheat meant for Presidential Drought Relief Programme go up in flames in suspected arson case

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

Police in Mashonaland East are investigating a suspected arson case where wheat for the Presidential Drought Relief Programme was destroyed by fire at Mr Watson Tsvangirai’s homestead in Chikomba.

Mr Tsvangirai is the area’s headman.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 21 during the night.

Police spokesperson for Mashonaland East, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident.

“On January 20 at around 6 pm, Mr Tsvangirai went to Chirasauta, Sadza, to attend a funeral. He left his wife, Ms Eurita Maguri at home.

“On January 21 at around midnight, an unknown person came and set Mr Tsvangirai’s thatched hut on fire. His wife and two grandchildren were sleeping in that hut.

“The hut was also being used as a storeroom and it contained various items, including ninety 50kg bags of wheat meant for the Presidential Drought Relief Programme.

“Fifty-eight bags of wheat were saved, as well as some kitchen utensils. Twelve 50kg bags of fertiliser, a motorbike, a bicycle, a wardrobe, and US$55 were all destroyed by the fire.

“Around 4am, Ms Maguri phoned her husband and informed him about the incident. He then reported it at ZRP Sadza.”