Watch: Chaos in Germiston as Home Affairs building set alight
Protest-linked blaze engulfs Germiston Home Affairs building as nearby residents face eviction under court order.
Chaos descended on Germiston, in Ekurhuleni, this morning, with the Home Affairs building on the corner of FH Odendaal and President streets going up in flames.
Germiston City News reports that, according to Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services media liaison officer William Ntladi, the fire has since been brought under control. No deaths or injuries were reported.
@germiston.news Germiston Home Affairs set alight by protesters. Breaking news We are on the ground to get you more on what’s happening and full article #germistonnews #newspaper #ekurhuleni #news
He says they received a call at around 07:00.
“From information received, this was started as part of a community protest,” Ntladi says.
@bedfordview.edenv Emergency crews are battling a fierce fire at the Germiston Home Affairs offices following reports that protesters threw a petrol bomb into the building. Thick smoke has forced the area to be cordoned off as investigations continue. #GemistonCityNews #HomeAffairsGermistononfire
Arson is suspected, and a full investigation will begin once the building is fully secured.
Phakamile Mbengashe, head of department for Communications, Marketing and Tourism at the City of Ekurhuleni, said: “We condemn in the strongest terms any acts of violence, destruction of public property or intimidation. Unfortunately, the situation has become volatile. Two people were arrested. We call on all residents to remain calm, allow emergency and law enforcement services to carry out their duties, and to raise any grievances through peaceful and lawful channels.”
@bedfordview.edenv The City of Ekurhuleni confirms the EMPD is executing a court order to evict unlawful occupants from Pharoe Park’s low-cost rental units. Officers remain on-site to maintain law and order and ensure the process follows the law. #PharoePark #GermistonHomeAffairs
Meanwhile, behind the Home Affairs building, people are being evicted by an Ekurhuleni housing company. The sheriff, SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department are on site.
Deputy Sheriff Ijan Kruger from Germiston South told Germiston City News that a court order was granted on June 26.
Residents are now displaced, and protesters were dispersed by rubber bullets.
Home Affairs update
Germiston City News spoke to Home Affairs provincial manager Mamokubung Moroke, who said that a mobile Home Affairs bus has been stationed next to the Dumisani Masilela Theatre in FH Odendaal Street, to serve clients who arrived earlier to access the department’s services.
@bedfordview.edenv Mamokubung Moroke, Home Affairs Provincial Manager, provided an update on the impact of the recent fire at the Germiston office, explaining how services have been affected and outlining next steps for affected clients. #GemistonCityNews #HomeAffairsGermistononfire
Germiston City News has reached out to police for comment.
This article was amended after first being published to include the latest updates.
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