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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Goods estimated at  US$95 000 went up in smoke after a warehouse caught fire in Zhombe last Tuesday evening.

The owners of the shop, “Hande Bhebhi Stores” who were sleeping inside the shop that also serves as a wholesale in the area, escaped unhurt.

Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the fire incident which he said was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.

“I can confirm that there was a fire that burnt down a shop in Zhombe and most of the stock was reduced to ashes. We are however, not yet aware of the cause of the fire as investigations by the relevant authorities are currently under way,” said Insp Goko.

Zhombe Chief, Weight Gwesela, whose homestead is a stone’s throw from Joel Growth Point where the fire occurred, said everyone from the surrounding area woke up but they could not put out the fire.

“I was awakened by commotion outside only to see the shop in flames. We tried everything to save the groceries and other goods but to no avail.

“I am however, glad that no one was injured and there was no loss of life in the mishap,” said Chief Gwesela.

He said there was need for rural district council to invest in fire tenders.

“We were using water buckets to try and put out the fire but I think we need to have a fire tender at our local authority in case of such incidences,” he said.

One of the owners Mr Brain Sibanda said the stock that went up in smoke was worth about $95 000.