WATCH: Ekurhuleni mayor vows to press ahead with evictions after Germiston Home Affairs arson
A fire at the Germiston Home Affairs building, linked to eviction protests, has prompted strong words from the city’s mayor and a pledge to continue clearing illegal occupants.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has condemned the arson attack on the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston, describing it as “barbaric.”
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning during protests over court-ordered evictions at Pharoe Park.
ALSO READ: Pharoe Park evictions proceed as city follows up on Germiston Home Affairs fire (video)
Xhakaza said the city will not back down on enforcing evictions.
Watch as he explains:
@bedfordview.edenv Mayor Xhakaza has strongly condemned the recent vandalism at Germiston Home Affairs, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable. The mayor called for urgent action to protect public property and uphold community safety. #GemistonCityNews #HomeAffairsGermistononfire
“We are available for conversations with communities, but I can tell you, they know what to do,” he stated.
ALSO READ: Watch: Chaos in Germiston as Home Affairs building set alight
The blaze severely damaged the building’s second floor, although secured documents on the ground floor were unaffected.
The Department of Home Affairs will continue services through mobile units stationed at Alberton and Boksburg from Wednesday.
ALSO READ: Video: Mobile Home Affairs service steps in after protest and blaze in CBD
Two people have been arrested for public violence related to the protests.
The City of Ekurhuleni has launched a formal investigation into the suspected arson and has pledged to hold those responsible to account.
