Bjala assembles emergency relief depot
It is believed the fire was started by people who had been evicted the morning of the fire.
A community building organisation, Bjala, has assembled an emergency relief depot where people can donate clothing, food, water, blankets, nappies, toiletries and provide shelter.
The depot was assembled after people were left destitute following this week’s fire in Jeppestown.
The Dukathole building, next to the Jeppe Hostel in Jeppestown, homed almost 3 000 people until it was destroyed in a blaze on Tuesday.
It is believed the fire was started by people who had been evicted the morning of the fire.
Mr Robert Mlaudzi, from Joburg Emergency Services, said emergency services were notified about the fire at 11.30am. Firefighters arrived at the scene at about 11.45am.
When the EXPRESS arrived at the scene, firefighters were still trying to control the blaze.
People who had been evicted from the building that morning were not allowed near the building due to the safety risk.
Mr Mlauzi said they are still investigating the cause of the fire.
The owners of the building said they had bought the building and visited the property on the day of the fire to secure the building following the eviction, for which they had obtained an eviction order.
“A case of malicious damage to property has been opened and is being investigated. No arrests have been made,” said the SAPS Provincial communications officer, Brigadier Mashadi Selepe.
Brig Selepe said the SAPS were on the scene to monitor the eviction process when the fire broke out.
“It is unknown how many people were affected. The building was locked afterwards and is guarded by security guards. No further violence has been experienced,” said Brig Selepe.
Clr Bongani Nkwanyana said people have been living in the building for almost 15 years.
“People claim they did not receive any eviction notice and the Red Ants did not even allow them to collect their belongings. Since the fire, residents are living on the streets with no food, clothes or a place to sleep.
“They have lost their personal belongings and are now left without any help,” said Clr Nkwanyana.
Bjala spokesperson, Malibogwe Sithole, said donations have been received and these were distributed.
“We try to provide the basic needs. In the morning we cook soft porridge for breakfast and people come to the donation point to collect. If they are unable to come to us, we go to them and see how we can help,” said Mr Sithole.
Donated goods can be dropped off at Bjala Square, 28 Madison Street, Jeppestown or for more information contact Malibogwe Sithole on 073 229 5055.
