The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
A 22-year-old mentally challenged Chimanimani man was last week dragged to the criminal courts facing charges of burning his neighbour’s hut as well as assaulting a fellow villager.
The accused, Simbarashe Makandeni, who resides at Chiumba Village under Chief Ngorima admitted to the charges when he appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo last Friday.
He was facing charges of malicious damage to property and assault.
Public prosecutor, Ms Edith Phiri said on December 10 at around 5 pm, the suspect, who is mentally unstable, went to the complainant Matthias Phaira´s homestead while he was away working in the fields.
“Upon arrival at the complainant´s homestead the accused person lit the grass thatched hut with a gas bottle he was holding.
“The hut burnt to rubble, destroying property. The accused was seen by a juvenile Viola Kosamu who reported the matter.
“Destroyed property included broiler chicks, a moss chair, blankets, plates, cups, dishes, five pots and a chicken cage. Nothing have recovered,” she said
Ms Phiri said the following day, at around 6 am, the accused person met Esther Pamberi who was going to work in her field.
“Armed with a small iron bar the suspect started assaulting the complainant and struck her on the head and her left arm. She screamed for help resulting in Takesure Masungo and Lovemore Mbiro teaming up to rescue her and effected a citizens arrest. They took him to the police.”
