Mutare, Zimbabwe – A businessman from Mutare, Edward Muhamba, has been arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder after allegedly petrol bombing a house in Greenside while three individuals, including two minors, were asleep.

Muhamba, who also faces a malicious damage to property charge for allegedly ramming a haulage truck into the property’s precast wall and gate, appeared in court represented by Mr Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners.

Presiding magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa denied him bail, citing concerns that he may flee to neighboring countries. He has been remanded in custody until March 20.

Business Dispute Turns Violent

According to Prosecutor Ms Perseverance Musukuto, the attack stemmed from a business dispute between Muhamba’s alleged accomplice, Salmon Muzonzini, and the victim, Doreen Muchena.

The court heard that Muzonzini had provided Muchena with capital for a business venture in December 2024, but when Muchena failed to account for the money, Muzonzini allegedly threatened her life if she did not return the funds.

On February 20, at around 8:30 PM, Muhamba, along with Muzonzini and two unidentified accomplices, allegedly launched an attack on Muchena’s residence.

Details of the Attack
• The suspects used an unregistered yellow Scania truck and a silver Land Cruiser to crash through the gate and wall of the residence.
• They then broke a window and threw a petrol bomb inside, causing a massive fire.
• At the time, two children (ages 12 and 8) and a 20-year-old maid, Brenda Mutsonziwa, were trapped inside.
• A neighbor managed to rescue them by breaking a burglar bar on a lounge window.

The fire engulfed the house, causing the roof to collapse and destroying all household possessions. The damage is estimated at US$350,000.

Eyewitness Identifies Suspects

A witness, Sylvester Marangwanda, who was returning from Mac’s Shopping Centre, identified the suspects as they fled the scene in the silver Land Cruiser.