Edward Muhamba, a dealer from Mutare, has been arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder for allegedly petrol bombing a house in the Greenside suburb while three people, including two minors, were asleep inside.
His lawyer, Mr. Chris Ndlovu from Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners, represented him in court.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Muhamba faces a charge of malicious damage to property for allegedly destroying the precast wall and gate of the targeted house with a haulage truck.
Magistrate Mrs. Phathekile Msipa denied Muhamba bail, citing concerns that he might flee to neighboring countries. He has been remanded in custody until March 20.
Prosecutor Ms. Perseverance Musukuto argued strongly against bail, outlining the details of the incident. She explained that Muhamba, along with Salmon Muzonzini and other unidentified accomplices, allegedly set fire to the home of Doreen Muchena following a business dispute between Muchena and Muzonzini.
The dispute stemmed from a business partnership formed in December 2024, where Muzonzini provided Muchena with funds. When Muchena failed to repay the money, Muzonzini allegedly threatened her life.
On February 20, around 8:30 pm, Muhamba reportedly joined Muzonzini and two other accomplices, who are still at large, in attacking Muchena’s home. They used an unregistered yellow Scania truck and a silver Land Cruiser without license plates to reverse into the property’s gate and wall, causing significant damage.
After breaking a window, they allegedly threw a petrol bomb inside the house, igniting a fire while two children, aged 12 and 8, and a 20-year-old maid, Brenda Mutsonziwa, were inside. Fortunately, a neighbor intervened and saved the occupants by breaking a burglar bar on the window.
The fire caused the roof to collapse, and all interior belongings were destroyed, with damages estimated at US$350,000. A witness, Sylvester Marangwanda, identified the accused as they fled the scene in the silver Land Cruiser.
The investigation is ongoing as the case continues to develop.
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