A family dispute over a memory card allegedly ended with a Gutu man setting his brother’s kitchen hut on fire. The 20-year-old allegedly caused damage estimated at US$300 during the early-morning incident.
Rerai Mutambasere appeared before Masvingo magistrate Archie Wochiunga on Tuesday. He faces allegations of destroying property worth US$300.
Dispute over memory card escalates
The court heard that the incident occurred around 1am on 1 June 2026. The incident happened at Mutambasere Village under Chief Munyikwa in Gutu. Prosecutor Liberty Hove told the court about the events leading to the alleged fire.
Pikirai Mutambasere, aged 23, was reportedly sleeping inside a kitchen hut. His brother allegedly arrived and demanded a memory card from him. Pikirai reportedly explained that he had returned the card to its owner.
The owner was identified as Zvishati Mhiko. Rerai allegedly travelled to Mhiko’s homestead to look for the memory card. However, Mhiko reportedly refused to give him the card.
Kitchen hut destroyed in fire
Rerai allegedly returned home after failing to obtain the memory card. He reportedly confronted Pikirai again and demanded the item.
The situation allegedly escalated before Rerai set the kitchen hut on fire. Pikirai woke up after the fire started and quickly escaped.
He then joined neighbours in an attempt to control the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire reportedly spread rapidly throughout the structure.
The blaze destroyed the kitchen hut and several household possessions. The damaged property included a double bed, plates, pots and cups. Clothes and shoes were also reportedly destroyed in the incident. The court will determine the case based on the evidence presented against Rerai.
According to the Masvingo Mirror
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