A devastating fire ripped through a busy shopping complex in Harare’s CBD, gutting around 20 shops and causing significant losses. The fire, suspected to have originated from an electrical fault linked to a corn snacks production unit, spread rapidly despite efforts by shop owners and bystanders to contain it.

The incident occurred at XGX Mall, a popular marketplace near a busy commuter and vending area. Thousands of dollars worth of goods were destroyed, with many traders losing everything, including groceries, cash, and records. The Fire Brigade responded to the incident, but unfortunately, their efforts to control the blaze were unsuccessful. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, with eyewitnesses pointing to an electrical fault in the corn snacks production facility as the likely culprit.

The impact on traders has been severe, with many informal retailers operating in the complex having no insurance coverage to fall back on. Shop owners were seen sifting through the ashes, desperate to recover any salvageable items. Frustration was evident among traders, who cited a lack of fire extinguishers and poor fire preparedness within the complex.