Fire Erupts at South African Home Affairs office in Germiston
(MENAFN) A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the South African Department of Home Affairs office in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, as authorities conducted an eviction at nearby low-cost housing reportedly occupied illegally.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed the blaze started during the eviction effort. The Disaster and Emergency Management Service swiftly contained the fire, which affected the second floor of the two-story building, preventing it from spreading further.
"Firefighters were forced to make entry to locked areas to secure the premises. No injuries have been reported at this time," stated Phakamile Mbengashe, head of communication, marketing, and tourism for the City of Ekurhuleni.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, though arson is suspected. A thorough investigation will begin once the scene is fully secured.
Mbengashe urged the public to stay calm, stressing that any grievances should be expressed through peaceful and legal means, particularly as the fire is thought to have been ignited by protesters evicted from the adjacent housing complex.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber acknowledged the fire on X, South Africa’s social media platform, stating that authorities are collaborating with police to collect evidence aimed at securing the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
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