Man sets ex-wife ablaze

A 29 year-old man allegedly set his estranged wife ablaze following a dispute over the sharing of property after they divorced.

Ashley Kabaya from Zimbiri Village under Chief Chinhamhora is now facing charges of killing his ex-wife Siphiwe Jenyure.

He appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Friday, and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The court heard that on the day in question, the two were in a room sharing property as they were in their final divorce stages.

The court heard that Kabaya locked the door from inside before hitting Jenyure with a golf stick in the back.

It is alleged that Kabaya went on to pour paraffin on her before setting her alight.

Court documents state that when Jenyure realised that Kabaya was about to open the door to flee, she gained courage and grabbed him.

Neighbours heard the couple screaming in pain. They broke down the door and managed to extinguish the fire.

The couple was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital and Jenyure succumbed to the burns on April 17.

A RANK martial allegedly extorted US$4 000 from commuter omnibus drivers from Harare’s market square rank after claiming that he was the owner of the space.

Nelson Makonese (27) appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing extortion charges.

He was remanded out of custody to May 2 on US$100 bail. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that sometime this year, Makonese together with his accomplices who are still at large, claimed ownership of market square rank.

They went on to demand US$2 per vehicle to use the rank. The court heard that Makonese warned the commuter omnibus drivers that they would be barred from using the rank unless they paid the fees.

They were reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Makonese. His accomplices are yet to be apprehended.

The court heard that the rank marshals collected over US$4 990 from the complainants.

Some of the rank marshals are said to be linked to the ruling Zanu PF party. — TREVOR MUTSVAIRO