FIRE GUTS SHOPPING COMPLEX

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI

A SUSPECTED gas leak led to a fire which gutted a shopping complex at Murombedzi Growth Point early on Tuesday morning.

Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, said the fire gutted a complex which houses several shops.

“The complex houses several shops, which includes grocery shops, butcheries and a hardware store.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be established but the occupants confirmed there was the smell of gas before the fire.

“A report was made at the police station who swiftly summoned the Fire Brigade.

“The Chegutu and Chinhoyi Fire Brigades attended the scene and managed to put out the fire,” said Insp Kohwera.

He said the shop owners had removed some of their goods before the fire spread from the roof.

The value of the damaged property is yet to be ascertained.

“Investigations are in progress and police are urging property owners to periodically check electric connections to ensure that they are intact and to fix those which would have been damaged,” he said.