Mutare was left in shock yesterday after one of the city’s most prestigious vehicle workshops, Brooms Garage, was reduced to ashes in a fire that destroyed at least 30 high-end Mercedes-Benz cars. The devastating inferno swept through the Riverside-based facility in a matter of minutes, leaving behind smouldering rubble, twisted steel, and charred shells of vehicles once worth thousands of United States dollars each.
Brooms Garage, a household name among Mutare’s elite car enthusiasts, had built its reputation over the years as the go-to workshop for luxury Mercedes-Benz models. Clients from across the city and beyond relied on its skilled mechanics and its reputation for precision. Yesterday’s tragedy not only robbed owner Mr. Anesu Akim of his prized fleet but also sent shockwaves across Mutare’s business community, where the garage was widely regarded as a pillar of premium automotive service.
Witnesses say the blaze started during a routine litter-clearing exercise being conducted by Mutare City Council workers. According to multiple accounts, rubbish was being burned close to the garage when strong winds carried sparks onto the premises. Within moments, flames engulfed the workshop, feeding on flammable materials and spreading uncontrollably across the property. Efforts by workers and bystanders to put out the fire with buckets of water proved futile as the inferno raged out of control.
By the time the Mutare Fire Brigade arrived, much of the damage had already been done. Firefighters battled fiercely to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby residential homes and businesses, but it was too late to save the fleet of luxury vehicles. The air was thick with smoke, punctuated by the sound of fuel tanks bursting as the cars went up in flames.
Garage owner Mr. Akim, who arrived on the scene during the chaos, was visibly shaken. Struggling to process the enormity of the loss, he declined to give a full interview. “This is too big to comprehend,” he said softly, before retreating from reporters. Friends and clients who had gathered around him described him as devastated, with some even breaking down as they watched years of investment and hard work vanish before their eyes.
Mutare’s Brooms Garage Gutted by Blaze, 30 Luxury Mercedes-Benz Cars Destroyed
Residents of Riverside, many of whom witnessed the fire, did not hold back in pointing fingers at the city council. “This could have been avoided. Burning litter next to private property is reckless,” said one resident, shaking his head as he gestured towards the ruins. Another added, “It is negligence, pure and simple. Now a man’s life’s work has gone up in smoke, and dozens of families that depended on this business are left stranded.”
Mutare City Council has yet to issue an official statement, but calls are growing for accountability. Community leaders have urged authorities to review safety protocols during clean-up operations, warning that the practice of open-air burning in urban centres is both outdated and dangerous.
Police confirmed that investigations into the incident have been launched, with the Fire Brigade tasked to produce a detailed report on the cause and handling of the blaze. Early indications point to human error, but officials are expected to examine whether proper firebreaks, permits, or supervision were in place at the time of the litter-burning exercise.
The disaster has ignited broader conversations around fire safety and preparedness in Zimbabwean cities. Experts note that while fires are an ever-present risk, the lack of strict adherence to safety standards often exacerbates losses. In Mutare, residents say firefighting resources are thin, with delays in response time and limited equipment compounding disasters. “We need a modernized fire service with adequate training and tools,” argued one local businessman. “These are preventable tragedies, yet they keep happening.”
Beyond the loss of vehicles, the tragedy also highlights the vulnerability of livelihoods. Brooms Garage was not only a thriving business but also a source of employment for dozens of mechanics, cleaners, and administrative staff. With the premises destroyed, many are now staring at an uncertain future. Clients who had entrusted their cars to the garage also face potential financial setbacks, raising questions about insurance coverage and liability.
For Mutare, the blaze is more than just an isolated accident; it is a painful reminder of how fragile progress can be in the absence of strong safety systems. Many residents have voiced sympathy for Mr. Akim, praising him for building a reputable enterprise from the ground up. “This is not just his loss—it’s Mutare’s loss,” said another resident. “The garage was a symbol of excellence and ambition in our city.”
As investigations continue, the ruins of Brooms Garage stand as a haunting reminder of what was lost: 30 luxury cars reduced to cinders, a proud business gutted, and a community left grappling with questions of responsibility. Whether the tragedy leads to lasting reforms in fire safety practices remains to be seen, but for now, Mutare mourns the destruction of one of its most prized establishments.
Source- Zimeye
