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Zvamaida Murwira  in BUHERA
SUSPECTED MDC-T supporters burnt down a house belonging to a Zanu-PF family in Buhera North and destroyed property worth thousands of dollars.
The incident happened last Thursday and police suspect the arson is politically-motivated.Cde Martin Tapfuma, a Zanu-PF district executive, lost a welding machine, television set and grocery worth US$3000.

His tobacco barns were also destroyed.

Police in Dorowa had to open fire to arrest the violent suspects.

Stinzima Madya (32) and Marvellous Gwarada (26), a couple, now face charges of arson, assault and obstructing the course of justice.

They are assisting police with investigations.

Police sources at Dorowa said Madya and Gwarada armed themselves with axes on two occassions when unarmed police officers went to their homestead to arrest them over the incident.

They were eventually arrested after police fired warning shots and a docket CR No 161523/14 was opened.

Community leaders gathered at Cde Madya’s homestead at the weekend to brainstorm why political violence was resurfacing.

Buhera North legislator Cde William Mutomba, traditional leader Headman Nemhari and kraal head Mr Madya Chiwona and villagers attended the meeting.

Cde Tapfuma said he was threatened by the suspects before they allegedly committed the offence.

It is alleged other villagers were also threatened with unspecified action.

“He has confronted me on several occasions demanding to know why I put posters of President Mugabe on my door. He asked me who else had done that in the area saying they had not put posters of their leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai on their doors,” said Cde Tapfuma.

“Madya asked me why I continue to stay in that area when to him, I am a lone figure in the village who still support Zanu-PF.”

Addressing the gathering, Cde Mutomba said it was disheartening that the constituency was experiencing political violence at a time when people were focusing on development.

“I want to thank you for remaining calm otherwise you could have retaliated and the situation could be different,” said Cde Mutomba.

Headman Nemhari said his court would soon summon the suspects.

MDC-T organising secretary, Mr Nelson Chamisa professed ignorance over the incident when contacted for comment   yesterday.

“I will have to check on that from our people on the ground on what actually happened. But our zero tolerance position on violence is well documented,” he said.