THE old adage “Hell has no fury like a scorned woman” proved true for a jilted Epworth woman, Moleen Zvandaziva, who in a fit of rage allegedly sprinkled petrol on her home and set it ablaze.
CHARLES LAITON SENIOR COURT REPORTER
Her two underage children and 19-year-old sister-in-law, who were inside the house, escaped death by a whisker after it went up in flames with Zvandaziva allegedly pelting them with stones in a bid to force them back into the raging blaze.
Zvandaziva (27) appeared before provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe yesterday facing two counts of malicious damage to property and three counts of attempted murder.
She was remanded in custody to September 23 this year for trial.
The spine-chilling incident occurred on July 2 this year at a house in Epworth where the victims in the matter, Tawanda Wilson (19), Lovejoy Wilson (8) and Lovely Wilson (4), were staying together with the suspect’s husband, Paul Wilson.
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According to court papers, Zvandaziva and Paul had terminated their marriage relationship in November last year and the suspect was now staying in Ruwa. On that fateful day, she allegedly visited her ex-husband seeking bus fare and was given $2.
After receiving the money, it is alleged, Zvandaziva grabbed Paul’s cellphone intending to check on some of his contacts.
However, Paul took it back saying she had no right to access it since they were now divorced.
In a fit of rage, Zvandaziva allegedly picked up bricks and stoned windowpanes on his bedroom.
Sensing a volatile situation, Paul rushed to make a report at Epworth Police Station.
At around 8:30pm, it is alleged, Tawanda heard a knock on the door and when she went to investigate she discovered it was Zvandaziva and she refused to open the door for her advising her that Paul was not at home.
Zvandaziva allegedly proceeded to the cracked bedroom window where she threw a plastic bottle containing petrol inside the room before setting it alight while she stood guard at the door to ensure no one would escape.
Tawanda and the two children, however, managed to storm out and watched in horror as the house succumbed to the inferno.
The family reported the matter to the police, leading to Zvandaziva’s arrest.
Property valued at $1 410 was allegedly destroyed.