A case of malicious damage to property was opened at Mariannhill police station for investigation following a fire at the Denny Mushrooms farm in Shongweni. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo said they received a complaint about the fire on September 9 around 16:00. 

“The complainant alleged that on 9 September 2022, at 16:45, he was performing his duties as a security guard at a farm when he heard his colleagues screaming for help. Upon investigating, he noticed that the fire was coming from the storeroom, growing room and packaging and dispatch department,” she said. 

ALSO READ: Shongweni couple lose home and possessions in fire

A video of the fire was widely shared on social media with people claiming that it was burned by union members. 

“Denny Mushrooms, the plant in Shongweni, has been burnt to the ground by union members (5) who declined the 7% increase.  All other workers accepted the increase. They employed locals from Shongweni. Everyone will be retrenched,” read the post. 

Ngcobo said circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.