Justice Chihwai (26) found himself before Harare regional magistrate Mr. Donald Ndirowei, facing charges of malicious property damage in connection to the harrowing incident. He was granted bail of US$500 and remanded until April 11 for further proceedings.
According to State prosecutor Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti, the confrontation unfolded on Saturday around 11 pm when Justice Chihwai, along with accomplices Bright Nyausoko, Blessing Charakupa, and Brendon (who remain at large), approached Jerry James (28) at the Vito complex in Mbare, where both parties operated.
A disagreement ensued, escalating tensions between the rival groups.
The situation took a perilous turn when James sought refuge in his vehicle at Liquor Palace within the Stoddart complex, Mbare. Allegedly, the armed quartet surrounded his vehicle with intentions to assault him. James managed to escape, driving to ZRP Stoddart to alert the authorities of the unfolding danger.
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However, during James’ absence at the police station, his wife, Samantha Musawaro (28), contacted him, revealing that Chihwai and his associates were at their residence, hurling stones at the front door and issuing threats against James’ life. Despite the alarming situation, James was unable to intervene as he remained at the police station.
In the early hours of the morning, around 3 am, the gang returned to the scene of the conflict. They callously doused James’ residence with petrol before igniting the flammable liquid, resulting in the destruction of property including a sofa, five blankets, a clothes basket, curtains, and a coffee table.
Chihwai was subsequently apprehended in Mbare the following day, though his accomplices remained at large.