A devastating fire erupted at Mbare’s Magaba area on Friday night, leaving Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) traders in anguish after losing vital tools, equipment, and stock estimated at over US$15,000.
The blaze gutted informal workshops and vending stalls, destroying grinders, fridges, plumbing materials, welding machines, and other essential tools of trade, dealing a heavy blow to local entrepreneurs who rely on daily operations for survival.
When ZBC News visited the scene the following morning, grief-stricken traders were seen picking through the charred remains of their livelihoods, desperately trying to recover anything salvageable.
“I lost everything in the fire. I had just restocked and was hopeful about business. Now I’m completely shattered,” said one trader, struggling to hold back tears.
Another echoed similar pain: “It is heartbreaking. The fire came just after I had bought new stock. Watching everything burn felt like a nightmare.”
A third victim said, “This was how I fed and clothed my children. Now all hope is gone.”
Chairperson of the Mukuvisi Manufacturing Traders Association, Mr. Christopher Makopa, said preliminary assessments estimate that property worth around US$15,000 was lost in the inferno.
“It is sad that traders were affected by the fire, but I want to commend the fire brigade for responding quickly, which helped prevent the situation from escalating further,” said Mr. Makopa.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
“We are currently working with the Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the incident,” he said.
This is not the first time Mbare has suffered such a tragedy. Last year, the Mbare Musika vegetable market was similarly engulfed by fire, prompting government intervention and the eventual construction of a modern market in the area.
As the smoke clears, the recent fire has again highlighted the vulnerability of informal traders to disasters and the pressing need for stronger safety measures, insurance options, and support mechanisms to cushion small businesses from such unexpected shocks.
