A security guard, Action Chakauya, has been denied bail following his arrest in connection with a devastating fire that engulfed the Mbare Musika retail market two weeks ago. The fire resulted in property and goods worth over US$5 million being destroyed, leading to significant financial losses for vendors and the community.
The decision to deny bail was made by Magistrate Artwell Sanyatwa, who deemed the charges against Chakauya to be serious and the potential for flight risk significant. Chakauya, 35, is facing allegations of negligently causing serious property damage. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the scale of destruction inflicted on one of Harare’s busiest markets.
According to the State’s allegations, Chakauya was on duty the night the fire broke out. Witnesses, including fellow security guards, claim they saw him starting the fire near one of the main entrances to the Mbare Musika market. Reports suggest that he was attempting to warm himself when the flames rapidly spread, ultimately leading to the complete destruction of the market.
“The incident occurred on October 8, 2024, around 9:00 PM, when Chakauya, who was manning the premises opposite the Mbare Musika retail market, set a fire at a main entrance close to the precast durawall. This was witnessed by other security guards on duty inside the market,” the prosecution stated. “As he was warming himself, the fire ignited and quickly spread, consuming the entire market.”
Chakauya has not yet entered a plea to the charges, as he is still in the early stages of the legal process. He has been remanded in custody until November 11, when he is expected to return to court for a routine remand hearing.
The fire at Mbare Musika has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns about safety protocols and the responsibilities of security personnel in commercial areas. The destruction has not only impacted individual vendors who rely on the market for their livelihoods but has also raised broader questions about fire safety regulations in crowded urban settings.
Local authorities and community leaders are now faced with the task of addressing the aftermath of the disaster. With many vendors having lost their entire stock, there is an urgent need for support and recovery initiatives to help those affected. The local government has been urged to provide assistance to the displaced vendors and to assess the safety measures in place at markets across Harare to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case against Chakauya will likely serve as a focal point for discussions about accountability in commercial spaces, especially regarding the role of security personnel. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution that ensures justice while also prompting a reevaluation of safety measures in busy markets.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Mbare and beyond will be watching closely, both for the outcome of Chakauya’s case and for the steps that local authorities will take to prevent such catastrophic events in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of livelihoods in densely populated areas and the need for robust safety protocols that can protect both people and property.
In conclusion, the denial of bail for Action Chakauya reflects the serious nature of the allegations against him, as well as the broader implications of the fire at Mbare Musika. As the community grapples with the consequences of this tragedy, the hope is that it will lead to meaningful discussions about safety and accountability in urban commercial spaces. The legal proceedings ahead will be closely monitored, both for justice for those affected and for the lessons that can be learned to prevent future disasters.
In other news – Namibian opposition furious as company linked to Wicknell Chivayo wins US$60 million
The Popular Democratic Party (PDP), a prominent opposition party in Namibia, has voiced strong objections to a recent tender awarded by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to print ballot papers for the upcoming presidential and national elections. The US$60 million contract has raised significant concerns due to its association with Wicknell Chivayo, a businessman known for his controversial past and alleged connections to corrupt practices.
The tender was awarded to South African company Ren-Form CC, a firm linked to Wicknell Chivayo, ahead of the crucial elections scheduled for November 27, 2024. Read More
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