31/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FIRE INCIDENT AT BUSEKO MARKET, MATERO, LUSAKA
August 31, 2026 – The Zambia Police Service in Lusaka wishes to inform members of the public that a fire incident occurred at Buseko Market, along Lumumba Road in Matero, Lusaka, on August 30, 2026.
The fire was reportedly first noticed between 21:30 and 22:30 hours on August 30, 2026. Matero Police Station received a report from members of the public around 00:30 hours on August 31, 2026.
According to preliminary information, the fire started in a shop situated on the eastern side of Buseko Market, in an open section where wooden poles and planks are sold. The fire subsequently spread to an adjacent shop and other trading premises within the market.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a charcoal brazier, which may have been left unattended, could have contributed to the outbreak of the fire. However, investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Property belonging to several traders was destroyed in the fire. The total value of the property destroyed, including planks, merchandise and other goods, has not yet been established, as some affected traders have not yet reported their losses. A detailed assessment will be conducted to determine the full extent of the damage.
The fire was eventually extinguished by personnel from the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade, Zambia National Service (ZNS), Zambia Air Force, and TAZAMA.
During the incident, two male suspects, aged 18 and 17 years, respectively, both from Matero area, were apprehended and detained in police custody on suspicion of theft.
The two suspects were allegedly found at the scene removing Bonanza gaming machines from one of the affected shops. Three Bonanza gaming machines were recovered from them at the scene.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Defence and Security Wings have been deployed to safeguard the market and prevent theft, vandalism and other criminal activities.
The Zambia Police Service urges members of the public, particularly traders operating in markets and other areas where charcoal braziers and other sources of fire are used, to exercise extreme caution. Traders are further advised to ensure that all sources of fire are completely extinguished before leaving their trading premises.
An Inquiry File has been opened, and investigations are underway to establish the circumstances and cause of the fire, as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
Issued by:
Godfrey Chilabi
Public Relations Officer
Zambia Police Service
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19KVC7qSfW/
PRESS RELEASE
FIRE INCIDENT AT BUSEKO MARKET, MATERO, LUSAKA
August 31, 2026 – The Zambia Police Service in Lusaka wishes to inform members of the public that a fire incident occurred at Buseko Market, along Lumumba Road in Matero, Lusaka, on August 30, 2026.
The fire was reportedly first noticed between 21:30 and 22:30 hours on August 30, 2026. Matero Police Station received a report from members of the public around 00:30 hours on August 31, 2026.
According to preliminary information, the fire started in a shop situated on the eastern side of Buseko Market, in an open section where wooden poles and planks are sold. The fire subsequently spread to an adjacent shop and other trading premises within the market.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a charcoal brazier, which may have been left unattended, could have contributed to the outbreak of the fire. However, investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Property belonging to several traders was destroyed in the fire. The total value of the property destroyed, including planks, merchandise and other goods, has not yet been established, as some affected traders have not yet reported their losses. A detailed assessment will be conducted to determine the full extent of the damage.
The fire was eventually extinguished by personnel from the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade, Zambia National Service (ZNS), Zambia Air Force, and TAZAMA.
During the incident, two male suspects, aged 18 and 17 years, respectively, both from Matero area, were apprehended and detained in police custody on suspicion of theft.
The two suspects were allegedly found at the scene removing Bonanza gaming machines from one of the affected shops. Three Bonanza gaming machines were recovered from them at the scene.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Defence and Security Wings have been deployed to safeguard the market and prevent theft, vandalism and other criminal activities.
The Zambia Police Service urges members of the public, particularly traders operating in markets and other areas where charcoal braziers and other sources of fire are used, to exercise extreme caution. Traders are further advised to ensure that all sources of fire are completely extinguished before leaving their trading premises.
An Inquiry File has been opened, and investigations are underway to establish the circumstances and cause of the fire, as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
Issued by:
Godfrey Chilabi
Public Relations Officer
Zambia Police Service
