Staff ReporterA man in Buhera, Zimbabwe, has suffered a significant loss after his former employee set his vehicle ablaze following a disagreement over unpaid wages.
The incident came to light in Chipinge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where 18-year-old Raymond Chirombo faced charges related to the destruction of property.
Magistrate Nixon Mangoti sentenced Chirombo to three years in prison, with one year suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The court heard that on 3 September, Chirombo approached his former employer, Trymore Dhliwayo, demanding unpaid salaries. Chirombo had previously worked as a tyre fitter at Gamba Industry in Birchenough Bridge.
According to testimony, Dhliwayo claimed he was unable to pay Chirombo, citing recent timber purchases. The situation escalated when Dhliwayo accused Chirombo of stealing a pair of shoes.
Following the confrontation, Chirombo reportedly left but later returned to Dhliwayo’s property. In an act of retaliation, he set Dhliwayo’s red Mazda vehicle on fire. The car was completely destroyed in the blaze.
