POLOKWANE – Police were informed of the fire that started around 14:00. Firefighters quickly responded to the incident.
Zele Morudu, the owner of House of Signs, told Review he was informed of the fire by one of his employees who noticed flames on the roof of the building.
“I instructed staff to get out of the building as soon as possible. When I arrived at the shop, I was shocked to see that everything had burned to the ground.”
He estimated the damage at R1,8 million.
The owner of Mathosim Trimmings and Upholstery, Simon Langa said he was in the building when the fire started.
“We saw the flames and attempted to douse the fire. We eventually had to give up our attempts, for our own safety.”
His business too suffered extensive damage, almost burning to the ground.
[VIDEO] Polokwane business burns, firefighters still on scene
Both men were satisfied by the rapid response of firefighters and emergency services personnel who assisted them.
“I can only advise other businessmen and women to make sure that they are insured. You don’t get a warning when something like this is about to happen,” Morudu said.
Both business owners said that they had been in the building for at least 10 years and will remain in business even though there is currently little left, “within a month or so it will be business as usual”.
Tony Jardim, who owns CRS, said his premises suffered minor damage to the ceiling and roof.
No other businesses were damaged in the fire.
According to Police Spokesperson Ntobeng Phala, it is suspected an electrical fault caused the fire. No one sustained injuries in the fire, he confirmed.
