Police begin quizzing witnesses on Mujuru fire

Police have started interviewing witnesses they believe will assist them ascertain the cause of the fire that killed former Zimbabwe National Army Commander General Solomon Mujuru (66) on Monday night.

By late yesterday police sources say four witnesses had been interviewed. Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena, however, said they were still investigating the case and collecting all relevant evidence concerning the case.

“We are still investigating and trying to put together all the evidence that has been gathered and the reports including statements from possible witnesses,” he said.

The joint investigations are being done by security agencies and other organisations including the police forensic unit and Zesa Holdings.

Although the details were still sketchy by last night, The Herald understands that several senior police officers from Harare where still at Gen Mujuru’s farm. On Tuesday, police said preliminary investigations suggest that the fire could have been caused by a candle left burning in the house. 

The Zanu-PF Politburo member was alone at his Alamein Farmhouse, about 60km south of Harare when tragedy struck. His maid, who stays in separate quarters away from the main house, was among the first people to be alerted of the fire.

Part of the farmhouse was extensively damaged. Only sofas were saved. The maid said she was alerted by her brother who lives in the area whereupon she informed other workers and later phoned Beatrice Police at around 3am.