At least 1,2 million kilograms of cotton lint with an estimated value of US$2,5 million has been destroyed by fire at a ginning site at Checheche growth point in Chipinge South.
The fire broke out in the early hours of yesterday at a
Cotton Company of Zimbabwe Limited (Cottco) ginning site.
Police say an unidentified suspect allegedly left a note
threatening to cause more fire at the scene where more than 5300 cotton bales
were burnt in Cheche yesterday.
A note addressed to one CC was found by the tragedy site
threatening to cause more fire if the suspect fails to receive his or her
money.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
confirmed the story saying the case will be treated as malicious damage to
property.
“Police are investigating a suspected case of malicious
damage to property (MDP) following a note found at the site where 5300 cotton
bales were burnt to ashes in Cheche,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
“The incident took place at 0327hrs when a truck driver
loading cotton bales parked his vehicle to make a call.
“While he was making his call he is reported to have
spotted a flame of fire towards his vehicle and the cotton lint was burnt to
ashes.
“A note was found addressed to CC threatening to cause more
fire if the suspect was not going to be paid his or her money within five days.
“Investigations have since begun and if the contents of the
note turn to be true, the case will be treated as MDP and the law will take its
course,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, Cottco managing director Pious Manamike
confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The fire broke out Monday morning and was detected by a
truck driver near the ginnery who immediately alerted the guards and
management,” he said.
“Fire tenders from Green fuels and Hippo Valley were called
in to assist in extinguishing the fire. The firefighting operation was hampered
by strong winds that were being experienced in the area at that time.”
Manamike said the cause of the fire has not yet been
established and investigations were underway.
“Preliminary assessment indicated that the company lost
about 1 221 000 kg of cotton lint that was ready for export with an estimated
value of US$2 500 000, and a forklift was also lost in the inferno,” he said.
“The fire is still raging on as fire fighters continue with
their efforts to completely extinguish it.”
This year, Zimbabwe projects cotton production at 150m
kilogrammes, which is nearly double the 2020 output. H Metro
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