Man sets house, car on fire, accuses father, stepmother of witchcraft

Man sets house, car on fire, accuses father, stepmother of witchcraft

A family dispute in a Zimbabwean community has led to a devastating act of arson, resulting in the destruction of a house and car.

This resulted in the sentence by a magistrates court of Knowledge Jani, a 21-year-old resident of Shackleton Mine, to four years in prison, with one year suspended, after being found guilty of malicious property damage.

Jani, in a fit of rage, had accused his father and stepmother of practising witchcraft, which he claimed was responsible for his persistent illness. Enraged, Jani attacked his father’s Nissan Sunny, shattering its windows and severely damaging its exterior.

He then siphoned fuel from the vehicle and used it to set the father’s house on fire, before igniting the already damaged car.

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The damage from the fire was extensive, with losses estimated at $14,000. Emergency responders were able to contain the flames, but not before the property had been significantly destroyed.

Jani was arrested on the scene following a distress call from his father.

Man sets house, car on fire, accuses father, stepmother of witchcraft