By Rex Mphisa
GOODS and property destroyed by Tuesday’s fire that engulfed a section of the Tshitaudze Flea Market was worth USD 57,881.00, according to the Municipality of Beitbridge (MoB) investigations.
A statement released by the Office of the Town Clerk of MoB said it is further conducting a comprehensive damage assessment and working to restore order.
MoB expressed its sympathy at the same time urged residents to be vigilant and timeously report fire incidenced to its provided hotlines.
“The Municipality of Beitbridge regrets to inform residents and stakeholders of a fire incident that occurred at the Mashavire Flea Market on the evening of 31 March 2026.
The Municipality Fire Brigade received a distress call at approximately 19:56 hours. A crew of six firefighters was immediately dispatched, arriving at the scene at 20:04 hours.
Upon arrival, several vending stalls were already engulfed in flames. Our teams utilised 15,000 litres of water to fully extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring stalls and properties,” read the statement.
“No injuries or fatalities were recorded; all individuals at the site were safely accounted for. However, the Municipality regrets to report that the economic impact is significant,” it said.
Like earlier said on Wednesday by acting Town Clerk Sathulana Moyo, affected traders are 36 who lost their stalls and entire inventory.
“The total cost of damage to goods and property is valued at approximately USD 57,881.00. Initial investigations by the fire department suggest the fire was likely ignited by a naked flame encountering fuel fumes,” said the statement.
“The Municipality of Beitbridge extends its deepest sympathy to all affected traders. We are currently conducting a comprehensive damage assessment and working to restore order.”
MoB urged the public to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to fire safety regulations, particularly regarding the handling of flammable liquids.
“In the event of any fire, regardless of the scale, we encourage residents to please report it immediately to our dedicated hotline: 0778 669 078,” it said.
The fire that attracted looters was reportedly sparked off by fuel merchants who stored their reserves in the makeshift market where traders said it was an accident waiting to happen.
Looters seized the moment of confusion and stole large amounts of goods in the pretext they were assisting.
Others openly stole even from areas not affected by the blaze. Some vendors spend the night on guard despite the police arriving later to restore order.
ZRP on Wednesdays said it will descend heavily on illegal fuel traders accused of being responsible for the Tshitaudze Market disaster.
They deplored the behaviour of looters who took advantage of the disaster and looted goods from the vendors who were already in another huge setback.