Livingstone Mtetwa
CHIPINGE- Thousands of tons of processed cotton bales worth millions of United States dollars were on Monday morning reduced to ashes after a fire broke out at Parrogate Ginnery at Checheche Growth Point in a case of suspected arson by a disgruntled farmer.
The destroyed cotton bales believed to be around 5300 in total worth an estimated value of US$2, 5 million belonged to four companies namely Cottco Zimbabwe, Consolidated Cotton of Zimbabwe, Shawasha Cotton and Southern Cotton that bring raw cotton to Parrogate for ginning.
National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case of malicious damage to property saying investigations are underway to establish the cause of the fire.
“Police are investigating a suspected case of malicious damage to property following the discovery of a note at the site where 5300 cotton bales were burnt to ashes in Checheche.
“The incident occurred at around 0327 am when a truck driver loading cotton bales parked his vehicle to make a call. While he was making the call, he is reported to have spotted a flame of fire towards his vehicle and the cotton lint was burnt to ashes,” said Ass Com Nyathi.
He also said an ultimatum note addressed to one CC was found at the scene threatening more havoc if the writer was not paid his/her dues within five days.
“A note was found addressed to CC threatening to cause more fire if the suspect was not going to be paid his/her money within five days,” added Ass Com Nyathi.
Member of House of Assembly for Chipinge South, Enock Porusingazi also confirmed the sad development saying both the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were still being assessed.
Porusingazi said the fire started around 3am in the storage area where bales ready for dispatch are kept. He said that although the vicious fire was put under control by fire fighters from Green Fuel and Buffalo Range, it will take the next few days to completely extinguish it.
“Cotton bales gutted by the fire belonged to four companies (Cottco, the Consolidated Cotton of Zimbabwe, Shawasha Cotton and Southern Cotton) which hire the Parrogate ginnery to process the lint for export.
“The cause of the fire is not yet established, but it occurred around 3am. We are grateful to the swift reaction from Green Fuel and Buffalo Range fire squads that helped to put out the fire. The fire was threatening to destroy the entire ginnery and the neighboring complex. Preliminary indications are that it may take two to three days to completely extinguish the fire,” said Porusingazi.
However, strong winds blowing in the area on that particular day made it difficult for the fire details to contain the fire.
Cottco is believed to have lost around 1 221 000 kilograms of cotton worth US $ 2 500 000 and a forklift in the process.
