HARARE – Police have charged controversial cricketer Mark Vermeulen with arson after he was linked to the fire attack that destroyed the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy this week.

He is expected to appear in court today.

Vermeulen was arrested on Wednesday after his car had allegedly been seen leaving the Academy just before the fire gutted the property.

“He (Vermeulen) was only a suspect when we picked him up, but after questioning him we have preferred arson charges against him,” police chief inspector Andrew Phiri said yesterday. “He should go to court tomorrow.”

Property worth millions of dollars, including computers, video equipment as well as national team player kits and office furniture, was reduced to ashes when the Academy’s administration offices and pavilion were razed to the ground by fire.

The blaze occurred a day after another fire broke out in Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)’s boardroom at Harare Sports Club, located on different premises from the Academy.

The Academy is located at Highlands Country Club, about five kilometers from Harare Sports Club.

The motive of the attack was not yet clear, but Vermeulen – slapped with a three-year ban in England in September for violent behaviour – was the first and only suspect to be arrested so far. - ZimOnline