Police in Bindura have launched a full-scale manhunt following a disturbing wave of arson attacks that targeted three vehicles, including one owned by a serving police officer, in Chiwaridzo suburb during the early hours of Thursday morning. The incidents, which took place between 2:00 am and 4:00 am, have left residents shaken and authorities scrambling for answers.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), one of the vehicles was completely destroyed, while the other two sustained varying levels of fire damage. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but investigators are treating the incidents as acts of deliberate sabotage.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, confirmed the incidents and said that investigations were being conducted by officers from ZRP Chiwaridzo, in collaboration with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Bindura. Forensic experts have also been brought in to assist with evidence collection and analysis.
The first attack was reported by Robson Muchuchu (27), an artisanal miner who lives in Chiwaridzo. He had parked his red Honda Fit (registration number AEV-2650) at his residence around 8:00 pm on Wednesday night. At approximately 2:45 am, Muchuchu’s neighbour, Adella Mbizvo, saw the car engulfed in flames and quickly alerted him.
Muchuchu attempted to put out the fire using buckets of water, but the flames had already spread rapidly, leaving the vehicle completely gutted. He estimated his total loss at around US$2,000, including tools and personal belongings that were inside the car at the time of the blaze.
“I just don’t understand why someone would do this,” Muchuchu said. “I have no enemies, and I live a quiet life. This has left me devastated.”
Police Launch Manhunt After Mysterious Arson Attacks in Bindura
The second incident occurred less than an hour later, at around 3:30 am, when a silver Nissan AD Van (registration AGI-7299) belonging to Wimbiso Kamhuka (41) was set alight outside her home. Her neighbour, Ngoni Mugumere, spotted the fire early and raised the alarm.
Thanks to the swift response by local residents, the fire was contained before it could completely consume the vehicle. However, significant damage was still reported to the body and engine area.
The third and perhaps most concerning attack involved a white Nissan Liberty (registration ACK-4416) owned by Constable Soka (34), a serving officer stationed at ZRP Mashonaland Central Provincial Operations. His car had been parked overnight at his home when a neighbour, Martha Banyera, noticed smoke and flames emerging from the rear section of the vehicle around 3:17 am.
Residents once again came together to help extinguish the fire using buckets of water and sand. Although the vehicle was saved from complete destruction, the back end suffered notable damage.
Inspector Mundembe condemned the attacks in strong terms, describing them as acts of sabotage and criminality intended to instil fear and disrupt public order.
“These are not random acts. We are treating them as deliberate attacks on the safety and security of our communities,” he said. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
He also stressed the importance of community vigilance and urged residents to revive or strengthen neighbourhood watch committees in light of the attacks. The ZRP believes that greater community involvement is key to deterring similar crimes in the future.
“We call upon residents to be our eyes and ears. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately. The public must take an active role in safeguarding their neighbourhoods,” said Inspector Mundembe.The attacks have left the Chiwaridzo community in shock, with many residents fearing that the perpetrators may strike again. Some community members have begun holding impromptu night patrols in response to the incidents.
“I couldn’t sleep after seeing what happened. This is no longer just petty crime; it feels like someone is targeting our community deliberately,” said one resident who declined to be named.
As investigations continue, police have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or individuals loitering in the area during the hours of the attacks to come forward. All reports will be treated confidentially.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the ZRP tip-off line.
Source- ZimEye
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