Several traders at New Soweto Market suffered losses in the early hours of today after a fire destroyed a number of businesses near Namununga School opposite the market.
The fire reportedly broke out around 03:00 hours and destroyed three makeshift restaurants and an electronics shop.
According to Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, security guards on duty at the market first noticed smoke and flames coming from one of the restaurants before alerting the police.
Police officers, together with the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade, responded to the scene in an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
The fire was eventually brought under control around 04:30 hours, but several traders had already lost their businesses.
Mr. Chilabi said preliminary investigations show that the fire destroyed three makeshift restaurants and one electronics shop.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
Police have not yet established the cause of the fire, and the value of the damaged property is still being assessed.
Investigations into the incident are currently underway.
Where is New Soweto Market?