Gweru, Zimbabwe – June 13, 2025 — A fire broke out on Friday evening at the historic Midlands Hotel in Gweru, causing significant damage to part of the iconic establishment. The fire, which started around 7 p.m., ravaged an upper-floor apartment, completely destroying one room and damaging others, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Midlands Hotel, a notable landmark in Gweru since its establishment in 1927 by the Meikle brothers, is among the oldest hotels in the city and holds both historical and cultural significance. The recent incident has shaken tenants and local residents alike, with many expressing concern over safety and the preservation of the building.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the upper levels of the hotel before fire crews arrived on the scene. The Gweru Fire Brigade responded swiftly to the emergency call, managing to contain the fire before it spread further through the building.
“The fire was reported just after 7 p.m., and our team responded immediately,” said Felix Muguti, Chief Fire Officer for the Gweru City Council, in a statement to ZBC News. “When we got to the scene, access to the upper floors was a challenge, as the stairwell doors were locked. We had to use ladders to climb to the first floor and break through the ceiling to control the flames.”
Fire Erupts at Historic Midlands Hotel in Gweru, Cause Suspected to Be Electrical Fault
According to Muguti, everything inside the affected room — including furniture, bedding, and clothing — was destroyed by the fire. “Our preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a water heating kettle that was left switched on and unattended,” he added.
Thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of the blaze brigade, the blaze was contained to a single section of the hotel. Firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent rooms and other parts of the historic structure.
One tenant, who spoke to reporters from ZBC News, expressed deep gratitude to the fire department. “I’m a tenant here, and the whole incident was terrifying. I was afraid I might lose everything,” the tenant said. “But I’m thankful for the fire brigade’s prompt response. If they hadn’t acted so quickly, this could have been a much worse disaster.”
Other guests and staff echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the improvements in emergency response in the city. “It’s reassuring to see that we now have systems and personnel capable of managing such emergencies effectively,” another resident said.
Hotel owner Hamutendi Kombayi confirmed the incident but declined to speculate on the cause of the blaze “At this stage, we are still waiting for a full report from the fire authorities. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and are committed to ensuring the safety and restoration of the premises,” he told ZimEye.
Kombayi emphasized that while the damage was regrettable, the absence of casualties was a relief. He also assured the public that efforts were already underway to assess the full extent of the destruction and to plan for necessary repairs.
News of the fire has sparked concern throughout Gweru, where the Midlands Hotel is not only a place of accommodation but a historical fixture tied to the city’s colonial-era heritage and tourism. Over the decades, the hotel has hosted notable guests, community events, and served as a social and cultural hub.
Local heritage advocates have urged authorities and the hotel management to take further steps to preserve the building’s historical features while ensuring improved fire safety measures. “The Midlands Hotel is more than just a building—it’s part of our collective memory,” said one local historian. “We must protect these landmarks, even as we modernize and adapt.”
As of Saturday, fire officials were still conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze. While preliminary findings point to an electrical appliance, Muguti noted that a full report would be compiled to confirm the source and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
City officials have also indicated that routine inspections may be increased in older buildings to ensure safety compliance, especially in properties with long-term tenants or frequent guests.
For now, the Midlands Hotel remains partially operational, with affected areas cordoned off as clean-up and repair operations begin.
