Bishop Ngoni Mwazha’s Kwekwe Farmhouse Petrol-Bombed in Suspected Arson Attack

KWEKWE, Zimbabwe – Police have launched investigations after the farmhouse belonging to Bishop Ngoni Mwazha was allegedly petrol-bombed by unknown assailants at his farm near Kwekwe on Sunday night, destroying property valued at more than US$150,000.

The attack occurred at approximately 11 pm while most family members were away in Harare. No injuries were reported, although significant damage was caused to the property. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the suspected arson attack and identify those responsible.

Bishop Mwazha is the son of the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church. Speaking to The Herald, Bishop Mwazha’s wife, Desiree Kwaramba-Mwazha, said the family had travelled to Harare on Saturday morning, leaving their daughter, Loveness Mwazha, at the main house while a worker remained in a nearby cottage. According to Kwaramba-Mwazha, the attack unfolded suddenly late on Sunday night.

“At around 11 PM, she heard a loud noise from outside and the sound of a window being broken,” she said. “At first she thought it was ordinary criminals, but moments later she saw a ball of fire inside the house.”

Realising the danger, Loveness reportedly fled the building and alerted workers on the farm, who immediately attempted to extinguish the blaze. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful as the fire spread rapidly through parts of the property. Police were subsequently notified and contacted the local Fire Brigade. By the time emergency responders arrived, sections of the 13-room farmhouse had already been engulfed by flames and reduced to ashes.

The family said the fire destroyed a substantial amount of property, including household furniture, kitchen equipment, beds, blankets, clothing, bags of maize and beans, and other valuables accumulated over the years. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing concern over the increasing number of violent crimes and suspected arson attacks targeting homes and businesses across Zimbabwe.

Security experts say petrol-bomb attacks are particularly dangerous because they can spread rapidly and often leave victims with little time to react. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified possible suspects.

Investigators are expected to examine the scene, interview witnesses, and review any available evidence as part of efforts to determine who carried out the attack and why. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigations to come forward.

The suspected arson attack comes amid growing concerns about property-related crimes in several parts of the country, with law enforcement agencies continuing to urge communities to strengthen neighbourhood security and promptly report suspicious activities. Further details are expected to be released as the investigations progress.

Bishop Ngoni Mwazha petrol bomb attack