Cde (Traore) Malcolm Masarira Says New Vehicle Was Torched, Fire Spread to His Home

Political activist Malcolm Masarira, popularly known as Cde Traore, says his newly acquired vehicle was set on fire by unknown assailants in an overnight incident that also resulted in damage to property at his home.

According to reports circulating on Tuesday, the vehicle was allegedly torched outside Masarira’s residence before the fire spread to the house, destroying household property.

No injuries have been reported.

Masarira reportedly said the vehicle had been given to him by President Emmerson Mnangagwa only days before the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged arson remain unclear, and there has been no confirmed identification of the people responsible.

Political background

Masarira has been a controversial figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

He previously emerged as a prominent activist associated with opposition to Mnangagwa and was linked to the Geza-led movement that challenged the President's leadership.

His political position has since changed significantly, with Masarira becoming an outspoken supporter of Mnangagwa.

In July 2026, Masarira was publicly speaking against planned protests and drawing on his own experience of detention to warn Zimbabweans about the potential consequences of participating in demonstrations.

He has also faced criminal proceedings in Zimbabwe. In June, NewsDay reported that Masarira and two other activists were seeking discharge at the close of the State's case in a matter involving allegations of incitement to public violence. The accused denied the allegations.

Questions surrounding the attack

The alleged burning of the vehicle raises questions about the motive behind the incident.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the attack was politically motivated, connected to Masarira's changing political position or resulted from another dispute.

There is also no evidence establishing who was responsible.

The fact that the vehicle was reportedly acquired only days before the incident is likely to draw additional attention, particularly given Masarira's increasingly visible support for the President.

However, the circumstances should be established through a police investigation rather than speculation.

Police investigation expected

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, including how it started, whether the vehicle was deliberately targeted and whether the fire subsequently spread to the residence.

Investigators will also need to establish whether there were witnesses, surveillance footage or other evidence that could identify those responsible.

For now, the incident remains an allegation of arson involving a politically connected activist, rather than a case in which the perpetrators or motive have been established.

Africa & Beyond will continue to follow developments as more verified information becomes available.

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