Fire destroys Chipiku Stores in Kasungu
Fire on Monday burned several shops, including Chipiku Store and Chipiku Plus, in Kasungu destroying property and merchandise estimated at K450 million.
In an interview on Monday, Chipiku Central Region manager Dennis Kamnyamata said in an interview the cause of the fire is yet to be established, but he suspects the automatic generator as power supply switched from Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) grid.
Some people were seen looting the shops as the fire raged.
When Kasungu Municipal Council was contacted, its chief executive officer Grace Chirwa said there was nothing they could do because the council’s three fire fighting engines were damaged by rioting learners during a demonstration.
“Our fire fighters were vandalised by Chankhanga Primary School leaners during a demonstrations last year,” she said.
In a separate interview, Kasungu Police Station spokesperson Harry Namwaza said they have not made any arrest in connection with the looting. He also said they are yet to establish the cause of the fire.
