Mbare musika fire probe stalled amidst cleanup

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Investigations into the cause of a devastating fire that destroyed millions of dollars worth of goods at Mbare Musika last week have reportedly stalled due to the rapid cleanup efforts of vendors.

The fire, which displaced thousands of families, has been declared a state of disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, while addressing affected vendors, stated that the fire department is still working to determine the cause of the blaze.

Initial suspicions point to the improper disposal of charcoal, which may have ignited nearby dry produce. However, the lack of forensic evidence due to the swift cleanup has hindered a thorough investigation.

Mafume assured vendors that the council is working to prevent further displacement and is developing plans to restructure the market. He emphasized the need for a transparent process and a timeline for the reconstruction efforts to avoid the trauma experienced during the previous closure of Mupedzanhamo market.

The government has approved a public-private partnership to rebuild Mbare Musika, ensuring high-quality facilities and a quicker completion time. Additionally, the government will provide necessary support to affected traders to help them recover from the disaster.