Cephas Shava in Mwenezi
25 Jan 2017 – MWENEZI – A Rutenga woman identified as Pretty recently lost property worth US$4000 in an arson attack allegedly perpetrated by her love rival.
The suspect in this case was identified as Martha Mpofu who allegedly targeted the house where Pretty stays with her sister’s family at Rutenga.
TellZim News is reliably informed that a case of arson was opened at Rutenga Police Station and Mpofu was briefly detained but later released as investigations are still underway.
At the centre of the fracas is reportedly a man named July who is a popular dancer at Rutenga with whom Mpofu has an affair but suspects is also now going out with Pretty.
Owner of the house that was gutted, Nesbert Mageza, said Pretty was his wife’s younger sister.
“On that day we were awakened at midnight by the noise of people who were extinguishing the fire. Pretty’s room, which had all her belongings, was on fire.
“We were very lucky, my family managed to escape through the window. Pretty’s room is a bit isolated from the other four rooms and was burnt. It’s asbestos roof was shattered. Her wardrobe, double bed, blankets, laptop and all her belongings were burnt beyond recognition,” said Mageza.
TellZim News approached Pretty but she was reluctant to speak although she confirmed suspicions that the house was burnt by Mpofu.
She said the only thing she recovered from the blaze was her passport and the clothes that she was wearing on that day.
Mpofu was reportedly spotted doing some rounds at Rutenga on the fateful night and is said to have borrowed matches from a fellow which she allegedly used to light the fire.
Sources said the fellow will stand as a witness when the matter goes to court.news
