A thick plume of smoke billowed into the Harare sky this afternoon, a grim testament to a fire that ripped through the Southerton Police Station, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The blaze, which originated from an electricity pylon, quickly engulfed the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) exhibit yard, reducing 12 vehicles to charred shells.The scene was one of utter chaos as firefighters battled the inferno, their hoses spewing water in a desperate attempt to contain the flames. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning rubber and metal, a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by the fire.
“It was like something out of a nightmare,” recounted an Old Highfield resident who witnessed the blaze unfold while returning from work. “The flames were so high, they seemed to touch the sky. It was terrifying.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in a statement issued shortly after the incident, confirmed the fire and the extent of the damage.
“The ZRP confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a fire incident which occurred this afternoon at ZRP Southerton Police Station complex, which houses the Duty Uniform Branch (DUB) and CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS),” the statement read.
The fire, which reportedly started at an electricity pylon within the police station complex, quickly spread to the VTS exhibit yard, where vehicles linked to ongoing investigations are stored.
“More details will be availed in due course,” the statement added. The police spokesperson also confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.
However, the fire’s impact extends far beyond the charred remains of the vehicles. The destruction of these vehicles, crucial evidence in ongoing investigations, poses a significant setback for the police.
“This is a major blow to our investigations,” lamented a senior police officer, who requested anonymity. “These vehicles were vital pieces of evidence in several cases. We are now faced with the daunting task of reconstructing the evidence and potentially reopening investigations.”
The fire has also raised concerns about the security of the police station and the vulnerability of its infrastructure.