POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested three suspected arsonists believed to be responsible for the burning of ward 3 councillor Takavingei Mahachi’s property worth R300 000 in suspected intra-party violence few months ago.
Some of the suspects are known to be out on bail for another case where they are accused of assaulting Beitbridge deputy mayor John Manatsa and former Beitbridge West MP Morgan Ncube recalled just after swearing-in.
Officer commanding Beitbridge Police District Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube confirmed the arrest and said the suspects were expected in court soon.
“We have made a breakthrough and we expect the suspects in court soon,” he said without giving further details.
It is, however, understood that a dispute over finances erupted between the suspects, which resulted in one of them spilling the beans that the suspects were behind the act of arson at Mahachi’s property on the instructions of other senior Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members in Beitbridge.
Mahachi made a report to the police after learning about the revelations of the public outburst.
On that night, a Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicle, tyres, air compressors and other tyre-changing equipment worth ZAR300 000 at Mahachi’s garage went up in smoke near the Mashavire area of Dulivhadzimu township.
A source from the CCC party in Beitbridge said some of the suspects arrested have a pending case in connection with the assault of Manatsa in May this year at Ncube’s home, which doubles as the party district office.
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Anthony Shoko (28), Winston Mugudo (25), Aaron Makumbe (24), Miller Kuwe (31), Decent Dube (35), Forget Chirenda (35), and Cosmas Chimonyo (23) face assault and theft charges.
They allegedly stole R2 500 and US$1 800 from Manatsa during the assault.
CCC Beitbridge district has been rocked by infighting, with Mahachi himself having been attacked by knife-wielding men who also face attempted murder charges.
