Man sets brother’s hut on fire over memory card

A 20-year-old man from Gutu, Zimbabwe, allegedly set fire to his brother’s kitchen hut after a dispute over a memory card, causing property damage estimated at US$300.

Rerai Mutambasere appeared before Masvingo magistrate Archie Wochiunga on Tuesday facing allegations of maliciously destroying property. The court heard that the incident happened at around 1am on June 1, 2026, at Mutambasere Village under Chief Munyikwa in Gutu.

Prosecutor Liberty Hove told the court that Mutambasere allegedly went to his 23-year-old brother Pikirai, who was asleep in a kitchen hut, and demanded a memory card. Pikirai allegedly told his brother that he had already returned the memory card to its owner, Zvishati Mhiko.

According to the prosecution, Rerai then went to Mhiko’s homestead in an attempt to retrieve the card, but Mhiko allegedly refused to hand it over. Rerai is accused of returning home and confronting his brother again over the missing memory card. The disagreement allegedly escalated, resulting in Rerai setting the kitchen hut on fire.

Pikirai reportedly woke up after the fire had started and managed to escape before joining neighbours in an effort to extinguish the blaze. The fire nevertheless destroyed the structure and several household belongings. Among the items reportedly damaged were a double bed, plates, pots, cups, clothes and shoes.

The total value of the damage is estimated at US$300. The matter remains before the court, where the prosecution will have to prove the allegations against Rerai. He is presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.