Kitchen Fire at SPAR
A kitchen fire broke out at a SPAR on Beyers Naude Drive on March 9, 2026. SCP Private Fire Search and Rescue reported that the fire was quickly contained, and fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident.
In response to the situation, Linden SAPS officers were on site to manage crowd control and maintain safety in the area. The cause of the kitchen fire remains unclear, and details remain unconfirmed.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of challenging times for SPAR, as the company’s share price recently fell to a 16-year low in early 2026. Despite these difficulties, SPAR’s Irish business has been a significant contributor, accounting for over 26% of the group’s turnover in 2025.
Camissa Asset Management recently acquired a beneficial interest of 5.04% in SPAR, indicating ongoing investment interest in the company. SPAR’s turnover is expected to grow by 2.1% for the first half of 2026, reflecting some optimism in the market.
SPAR’s Irish operations have been performing well, with a reported turnover of R34.7 million and an operating profit of R1.14 million. In contrast, the Southern African business generated an operating profit of R893.1 million.
Investment analysts have noted that a key component of SPAR’s investment thesis is its Irish business, which continues to deliver solid results despite a challenging trading environment that has persisted for several years.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring the implications of the fire and the company’s performance in the wake of recent financial challenges.
Initial reactions from the community have been supportive, with local residents expressing relief that no injuries occurred during the incident. The management of SPAR is expected to release further statements as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of customers and staff at the affected location while addressing the aftermath of the fire.
