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Freedom Mupanedemo-Midlands Bureau

A 46-year-old Gweru man has been arrested after he allegedly set ablaze a house of a fellow patron following a fight during a beer binge.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred in Gweru’s Woodlands Park on April 18.

“Allegations are that the suspect Joseph McCarthy of Woodlands suburb was drinking beer with Munyaradzi Munyanyiwa (41) also of the same area,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the two were joking and one of the jokes angered McCarthy and he became violent against Munyanyiwa.

He said sensing danger Munyanyiwa fled home with McCarthy in hot pursuit.

“McCarthy caught up with Munyanyiwa at his house before punching him all over the body. Munyanyiwa managed to escape and sought refuge at a neighbour’s place,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said Munyanyiwa returned home after about 30 minutes and found his house on fire before shouting for assistance to put out the fire from neighbours but it was all in vain. “The roof trusses, the roof tiles and all the property that was in the 13 roomed house was destroyed. McCarthy was arrested and is assisting with investigations. We are appealing for anyone who might have seen what transpired to come forward and assist the police with information,” said Insp Mahoko.