-as council issues statement
Martin Muleya
MUTARE CITY-On Tuesday mid-morning a fierce fire broke out and razed down a garage at Brooms Garage number 16 Simon Mazorodze Road, Riverside reducing to ashes 24 Mercedes Benz light vehicles.
Manicaland Province acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident reiterating that three unknown suspects who are believed to be Mutare City Council employees were cleaning the perimeters of a garage belonging to Anesu Akimo (48) who resides in Darlington area, Mutare.
“Akimo specializes in repairing and servicing Mercedes Benz vehicles. On 16 September 2025 at around 1130hrs three unknown suspects who are believed to be employed by city of Mutare were cleaning the perimeters of the garage. The suspects burnt grass along the perimeter fence on the outside of the garage,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
The fire started to spread and the trio failed to control the fire and the grass within the fence and perimeter caught fire.
It is alleged that the fire spread to the vehicles inside resulting in them catching fire. A total of 24 Mercedes Benz light vehicles were reduced to ashes while four others were damaged by fire but still have visible number plates.
A police report was made at Mutare Central police station.
Meanwhile, Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka has issued a press statement expressing his sympathy towards the people affected by the unfortunate incident.
He assured that the local authority will thoroughly investigate the matter in terms of appropriate legal procedures.
“It is with great sincerity that I extend my profound sympathy towards the people affected by the unfortunate incident that took place along Riverside Drive. As a local authority destruction of property and infrastructure by fire is an issue that cannot be watered down as it directly affects the livelihood of our stakeholders.
“Our Fire Brigade was swift in minimizing damage caused by the fire. At this point I cannot give the exact details on the extent of the damage and what caused the fire as the matter is still under investigation. I want to assure our valued stakeholders and all those affected that the matter will be dealt with in terms of the appropriate legal procedures,” read the press statement.
The police said they will give an update on the investigations and total value of damaged property.
