Video: Reiger Park pub burns down
The three co-owners of the business suspect foul play.
The Reiger Park SAPS opened an inquiry docket to investigate the cause of fire that burnt down La Roca, a pub in Reiger Park, on July 25.
According to one of the co-owners who wished to remain anonymous, they received a phone call from their next door neighbours around 2am to let them know that the place was on fire.
“According to the information we received from the security guards and neighbours, the alarm went off and when they came out to check, they saw the business vehicle on fire.”
The co-owner said they then realised that not only the vehicle was on fire, but the whole place was ablaze.
He said the neighbours tried to phone the fire department, but they allegedly took long to arrive.
“A majority of the property could have been saved should they have responded in time.”
Another co-owner of the business, Donald Veldman, said nothing was stolen from the property. The money drawer, which had about R12 000 inside, was allegedly found metres away from its initial place.
Veldman said a reward of R100 000 is up for anyone who might have more information about what caused the fire.
“It is devastating to see your business in such a state after a year and a half of hard work to build this place.
“We believe that there is definitely arson involved here, but hopefully the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
The owners stressed they do not have property insurance.
Investigations are still continuing.
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Const Jan Mokwana said he didn’t know anything about the reward.
