A 20-year-old man, Rerai Mutambasere, has been accused of setting fire to his brother's kitchen hut following a dispute over a memory card in Gutu, Zimbabwe. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 1, 2026, has resulted in significant property damage estimated at US$300.

Mutambasere appeared before Masvingo magistrate Archie Wochiunga on Tuesday, facing charges of maliciously destroying property. According to the prosecution, the conflict began when Rerai confronted his 23-year-old brother, Pikirai, demanding the memory card. Pikirai informed Rerai that he had already returned the card to its rightful owner, Zvishati Mhiko.

In an attempt to retrieve the memory card, Rerai allegedly visited Mhiko's homestead, but was met with refusal. Frustrated, he returned home and confronted Pikirai again, leading to a heated argument. Reports indicate that the disagreement escalated, prompting Rerai to set the kitchen hut ablaze.

Pikirai, who was asleep at the time, managed to wake up and escape the flames. He then joined neighbors in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire, but the damage was already done. The blaze consumed the kitchen hut and destroyed several household items, including a double bed, plates, pots, cups, clothes, and shoes.

The case remains ongoing in court, where the prosecution is tasked with proving the allegations against Rerai Mutambasere. He is currently presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.