A vehicle panel beater in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb is appealing for assistance to repair 15 vehicles belonging to his clients which were destroyed by fire on Wednesday.
The fire is believed to have started from a dump site outside the garage, where neighbours had been burning garbage. The fire spread to the garage through the fence and quickly engulfed the vehicles.
The owner of the garage, Khumbulani Ncube, said he had warned the neighbours to stop burning garbage near the garage, but they had ignored him.
“The fire started around 2 am,” Ncube said. “The security guard noticed fire underneath one of the vehicles, but by the time he ran to call for help, the first car had exploded and ignited the other 14 vehicles.”
Ncube said he has not yet been able to reach all of his customers, some of whom are based abroad. He is appealing for help to repair the damaged vehicles and compensate his customers.
“We are appealing for links for people who can assist us secure spare parts for partly burnt vehicles,” he said. “We also need financial support from well-wishers so that we can repay those customers who want compensation.”
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube urged members of the public to take fire safety precautions, such as clearing nearby bush, having a proper fire guard, and removing litter that could start a fire.
Those who are willing to assist Khumbulani Ncube can contact him on 0779 712 628 or 078 254 4263.
