MUTARE – An MDC Alliance activist Oswell Chitere facing arson charges was on Wednesday denied bail by Mutare magistrate, Tendai Mahwe .
In denying him bail, Mahwe said Chitere was facing a serious charge and if granted bail he was likely to interfere with witnesses.
Mahwe also said Chitere might face retaliatory attacks from Zanu PF supporters.
Chitere was remanded in custody to August 20. He denies the arson charge levelled against him.
State prosecutor Fletcher Karombe told the court that on August 2, the complainant’s daughter, Linnet Kagweda, who is a Zanu PF supporter, met Chitere at Watsomba business centre.
Chitere allegedly approached Kagweda with the intention of showing her videos of MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, but the Zanu PF activist refused to watch them.
Chitere allegedly took offence and threatened to burn down her home.
Kagweda left the accused and went home to inform her mother, Raviro Kagweda, about the threat.
Karombe told the court that at midnight, the complainant woke up to find her hut on fire.
The hut was allegedly razed to the ground and she lost all the property which was inside.
Chitere’s lawyer Rangarirai Mubata said he will approach the Mutare High Court for bail application.
