Mutare domestic worker jailed for setting employer's home ablaze over oranges

MUTARE – A 32-year-old domestic worker from Mutare has been sentenced to an effective 26 months in prison after setting his employer's property on fire following an argument over eating unripe oranges from her orchard.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the incident occurred on June 27, 2026, at Chindoti Village under Chief Marange in Manicaland Province. According to prosecutors, the man became enraged after his 64-year-old employer instructed him to stop eating unripe oranges growing in her orchard.

"On the 27th of June 2026 at Chindoti Village, Chief Marange, the offender, who was employed as a domestic worker, became angry after his 64-year-old employer ordered him to stop eating unripe oranges from her orchard," the NPAZ said.

The prosecution told the court that after the confrontation, the domestic worker deliberately set a thatched kitchen hut on fire before moving to a nearby two-roomed house, which he also allegedly torched.

"Following the argument, the offender went on to set fire to a thatched kitchen hut. He then proceeded to a two-roomed house and lit it up again," the NPAZ said.

The authority said the accused armed himself with an axe and threatened to kill anyone who attempted to extinguish the blaze, preventing neighbours and family members from rescuing property from the burning buildings.

The fire completely destroyed the two structures and household property valued at approximately US$10,193. Among the items lost were:

• 16 bags of maize

• Five bags of groundnuts

• Two bags of round nuts

• Two bags of rapoko

• Four bags of fertiliser

• Six bags of cement

• Assorted household groceries and other property

The man was convicted of malicious damage to property. He was sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment, with 10 months suspended on condition that he pays compensation equivalent to the full value of the damaged property. He will therefore serve an effective 26-month prison sentence unless he complies with the court's compensation order.

The case highlights the serious legal consequences of arson and malicious damage to property under Zimbabwean law, offences that carry custodial sentences, particularly where significant financial loss and threats of violence are involved. The National Prosecuting Authority has repeatedly urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully rather than resorting to criminal acts that endanger lives and destroy property.

Mutare domestic worker jailed