On August 13, a fire caused major damage to the Vaaldam R549 Road.
Karan Beef was not spared in the fire damage.
Jannie Botha, general manager at Karan Beef, confirmed the damage caused by the fire.
“The fire started at about 12:00 in the Vaaldam Road and spread to a neighbour’s farm and then to the Karan Beef feeding farm,” said Botha.
“There was a fire engine as well as water tanks to try to keep the fire under control but unfortunately could not contain the fire and keep it under control.
“Approximately 20 000 tons of feed was destroyed by the fire as well as 500ha of land.
“The damage at the moment is around R20m but a final figure can only be confirmed after the insurance estimator’s reports are finalised.”
No one was injured and no livestock losses were reported.
Botha said more feed is needed for the cattle.
“Luckily not all the feed was destroyed by the fire and that will be able to carry us through for a while,” he said.
Botha concluded that the cause of the fire is not known at the moment and that forensic tests are being done.
Rumours are doing the rounds that it could be arson but nothing can be confirmed.
