A case of arson has been opened following the torching of a store owned by a foreign national on High Street.
Brixton residents were given a rude awakening on 8 September when the raging flames and a thick cloud of black smoke had police and emergency services at the scene attempting to control the fire.
Brixton police spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff said the 24-year-old owner of the store was asleep with his siblings in the store when he heard one of the windows shattering.
“He woke up to investigate and he saw something that looked like liquid dripping next to his bed and the next thing the fire erupted,” she said. “The victim and his brothers opened a gate and exited the shop.”
By the time the fire department had arrived, the store had completely burned down.
Backhoff added, “The flats above the shop were not affected by the fire.”
She confirmed that all tenants of the flats were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The fire destroyed goods estimated at R150 000 and cash amounting to R13 500.
Brixton police are currently investigating the matter and urge anyone with information to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Jennifer Morgan on 011 248 5622.
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