Residents panic at sight of large fire

Residents who decided to dispose of their garden refuse by burning it in a vacant stand near their homes in Munnik Avenue had several residents report a run-away fire in the Bendor area to emergency services.

Jack Othlomilo, one of the residents who disposed of his garden refuse in this manner, said he was fed up with his garden refuse piling up in his yard as he had no means of transporting it to the municipal dumping grounds.

“How does the municipality expect a person who does not have transport to make use of their facilities? Why can’t they provide a garden service to assist residents like me,” he asked.

Municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said residents should refrain from lighting illegal fires as they were breaking the law and could receive a hefty fine or even face criminal prosecution.

She said incidents such as this one should be reported to the municipality at (015) 290 2000.