A fire broke out at the Alberton squatter camp, known as Funny Farm, on Second Avenue in Alberton North on May 12, destroying three shacks.
According to Captain Manare Ramotshela, the communications officer of the Alberton SAPS, illegal electrical connections caused the fire and did not result in any injuries.
“Three shacks burnt down, and no injuries were reported. Despite rumours of arson, no evidence was found to support these claims,” said Ramotshela.
Michael Hume from the ABOUT group said efforts to shut down the settlement have been ongoing for 14 years.
“We constantly work with the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) to close Funny Farm. The human settlements department needs to find new housing for the residents,” said Hume.
He said the settlement poses a significant risk to the community.
“This is a big hazard to our community, and it is time to shut it down,” he said.
The newspaper has asked for comments on the arson rumours and will update the story with any new information.
