WATCH: Home Affairs Germiston office torched after court ordered evictions
A suspected arson attack left the second floor of the building housing Germiston’s Home Affairs office engulfed in flames.
Dramatic scenes unfolded on the morning of August 12 at the corner of President and F. H. Odendaal streets, when Germiston’s Home Affairs offices were set alight in a suspected arson attack.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) confirmed that DEMS responded to the blaze, which engulfed the second floor of the two-storey building.
Firefighters forced entry to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading. No injuries were reported.
“At this stage, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, although arson is suspected. A full fire investigation will commence once the site is fully secured,” CoE said in a statement.
@albertonrecord Home Affairs office in Germiston is on fire, allegedly after being torched by protesters. #germiston #homeaffairs #fire ♬ original sound – Alberton Record
The city also confirmed that the EMPD had been executing a court order to evict unlawful occupants from Pharoe Park, a low-cost housing complex just metres from the Home Affairs building. The evictions are suspected to have sparked the protest that led to the fire.
“The city condemns in the strongest terms any acts of violence, destruction of public property or intimidation, and calls for calm and cooperation with law enforcement authorities,” the statement read. EMPD officers remain on site to maintain order and ensure the court order is enforced within the law.
In a separate statement, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) vowed to pursue criminal charges. “Home Affairs is collating evidence and will open criminal charges against the anarchists who set a block of flats on fire in Germiston, which then spread to the neighbouring Home Affairs office. It is nothing less than an attack on our social infrastructure and cannot stand,” the department said.
SAPS confirmed the arrest of two suspects.
Impact on services
Due to the fire, limited Home Affairs services will be available at the following locations:
• Smart ID card and passport applications and collections – Germiston Civic Centre car park.
• Certificate reprints – any Home Affairs office in Gauteng.
• Late registration of birth – Alberton and Boksburg offices.
• Late registration of birth clients must resubmit applications.
WATCH: Protestors allegedly torch Home Affairs offices in Germiston
