BINDURA, MASHONALAND CENTRAL – Panic has gripped residents of Chiwaridzo suburb after a fresh wave of mystery car fires destroyed four vehicles parked at different homes early Thursday morning — just weeks after a similar incident rocked the same neighbourhood.
The bizarre pattern of destruction is fuelling fears that a dangerous arsonist is lurking in the community, targeting unsuspecting residents while they sleep.
Community Fear Spreads in Bindura
One of the affected residents, Vimbai Kamhuka, from Mugaramambo Street, was jolted awake by a neighbour’s urgent knocking – her car was ablaze.
“Our car was attacked around 2AM, and others were burnt around 4AM. Ours only got damaged at the back, but three others were completely destroyed. This is getting out of hand,” said a shaken Kamhuka. “These criminals have been tormenting us since last year. We need police patrols at night before someone gets killed.”
This latest attack brings the total number of vehicles set on fire in recent months to at least eight, with no arrests made so far. The repeated incidents have shattered any sense of safety in the once-quiet suburb.
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Another resident, whose truck was damaged in the June 3 fires, now believes the destruction was no accident.
“We thought it was a short circuit, but when we heard others lost cars the same way, we knew something was wrong,” he said. “Whoever is behind this is playing with fire – literally. This is attempted murder.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has now launched a full investigation, treating the fires as suspected arson. Forensic teams and detectives from CID Bindura are on the ground, but so far, no suspects have been named.
“We’re still investigating the motive behind these malicious acts,” confirmed Inspector Milton Mundembe, the police spokesperson for Mashonaland Central. “We urge residents to work closely with the police and report any suspicious movements, especially during the night.”
The community is on edge, with many residents calling for joint night patrols to prevent further attacks. There’s also growing frustration over the lack of arrests, as fear spreads that the arsonist — or arsonists — may strike again.
“We’re living in fear. Today it’s cars, tomorrow it could be our homes or our lives. This is a wake-up call,” said another concerned resident.
Have You Seen Anything Suspicious in Bindura?
If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, please contact your nearest police station or reach out to the CID Bindura office. Community safety depends on all of us.
🛑 Manica Eye urges all readers in the Bindura area to stay alert and speak out. Your tip could save a life.
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