Seven people were injured following a fire outbreak linked to the illegal handling of fuel products at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe earlier this week.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Chitepo Village when a 32-year-old man was reportedly offloading petroleum products from a truck. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the fire started while diesel, petrol and liquefied petroleum gas cylinders were being unloaded.
Police identified the suspect as Patrick Matiwone, who allegedly did not possess a licence or permit authorising him to trade or handle petroleum products.
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Authorities said three 200-litre drums of diesel, three 200-litre drums of petrol and eight 48-kilogramme gas cylinders were being removed from a Hino truck when the blaze erupted.
Seven individuals sustained injuries during the incident and were attended to following the fire, while the truck involved was completely destroyed.
Police confirmed that Matiwone was taken into custody in connection with the matter and investigations are ongoing.
The ZRP has since warned members of the public against engaging in illegal fuel trading, noting that improper handling and storage of petroleum products pose serious safety risks to communities.
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