Mbare Retail Market Gutted by Fire

A massive fire has ravaged Mbare Musika Retail Market, the iconic market in Harare, causing significant damage and disrupting livelihoods. The blaze erupted on Tuesday night, engulfing the market and several nearby shops. Firefighters battled tirelessly to contain the flames, with three fire tenders deployed to the scene.

The Mbare Musika Retail Market, not to be confused with the Mbare Musika Market, is a section of the larger market where a wide variety of goods are sold. This vibrant part of the market is known for its diverse offerings, ranging from essential items like school uniforms and traditional herbs to more specialized products such as electronics, cosmetics, confectionaries, and grains.

The cause of the fire remains a mystery, but videos shared online show the flames towering above the market, casting a menacing glow over the city. As the fire raged, crowds gathered to witness the devastation, with some taking advantage of the chaos to engage in looting.

The City of Harare condemned the looting, appealing to the police to intervene and restore order. “Thousands of people are blocking fire tenders and firefighters from accessing the fire as some have resorted to looting,” the council said in a statement. “The City of Harare is appealing to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to urgently control the crowd to allow firefighters to do their job.”  

The fire has caused immense damage to the market, destroying businesses and livelihoods. It is a major setback for the thousands of people who rely on Mbare Musika for their income. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the community mourns the loss of a vital part of Harare’s fabric.