At least 30 families are now homeless after a fire broke out at a block of flats at Matapi hostels in Harare late Wednesday afternoon.

There are conflicting reports on what caused the fire with some reporting that the fire was ignited by a minor who was playing with a candle after a power cut while others say it could have been caused by an electrical fault.

The affected families lost property worth thousands of dollars and are now appealing for food, clothes, and shelter.