Police have so far quizzed 23 people, including three policemen, in connection with the death of national hero and former Zimbabwe National Army Commander General Solomon Mujuru (66).
- TOUGH moment…Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere consoles Vice President Joice Mujuru, wife to the late General Solomon Mujuru and one of her daughters.
Gen Mujuru was burnt to death in his house last Tuesday at Alamein Farm and was buried at the National Heroes Acre on Saturday. Sources close to the investigations yesterday revealed that police were working “tirelessly” to investigate the case and were still compiling reports.
However, the police are yet to announce the findings of the cause of the fire. So far, they have interviewed several people including those at places where Gen Mujuru passed through on his way to his farm in Beatrice before the incident occurred. The three cops interviewed were those guarding Gen Mujuru’s farm on the day the fire broke out.
Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena yesterday confirmed that investigations were in progress. “We have recorded statements from various individuals who could be witnesses and the police officers are among those,” he said.
Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena yesterday said he was not in a position to divulge the number of witnesses they had interviewed so far. “I can’t give you the total number (of witnesses), maybe at the appropriate time. We are also still compiling the reports,” he said. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire could have been caused by a candle left burning in the house.
Joint investigations by security and other organisations including the force’s forensic unit and Zesa Holdings began last week. The Zanu-PF Politburo member was alone at his farm, 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.
The farmhouse was extensively damaged. Nothing was recovered save for sofas and few other items. 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 3 am. Police rushed to the farm and on arrival found the house engulfed by the inferno.
Police looked for Gen Mujuru in the house but to no avail. His remains were later discovered in one of the lounges burnt beyond recognition.
