Paediatrician’s Van Riebeeck Park consulting rooms gutted by fire

The consulting rooms of paediatrician Hennie Roelofse (48), as well as two other medical practices on Miervreter Street in Van Riebeeck Park, went up in flames on August 27 at 2am.

It is suspected than an electrical fault caused a fire in the roof.

The neighbours of the property told Roelofse’s wife Liani (48) they heard something like an explosion and then detected the fire.

“Four minutes after the fire started, Super Cops were commissioned to the scene and within 15 minutes the local fire department arrived.”

Liani told Express: “I would really like to express immense gratitude to Super Cops, the fire department and Smart Security Services (SSS) for their speedy reaction and highly efficient work protocols. Also, we’re truly grateful to Riebeeck Manor community who assisted us during the fire and brought us coffee.”

She said the next day SSS was on the scene again to extinguish the still smouldering fire.

The premises was hired by the doctors and unfortunately Roelofse’s practice’s belongings were not insured. They did, however, manage to salvage some of their personal medical equipment.

“Our greatest loss is that many of our patients are not aware of what happened and they do not know where to find us. From the street you cannot tell the house burnt down.

“It’s hard to tell what our plans are at this stage, but I think in about six months’ time we’ll be able to say whether we’ll return to Miervreter Street or other premises.”

In the meanwhile, Roelofse’s practice can be found at Arwyp’s Medical Suites on level four. Dr Raynie de Swart’s practice has also temporarily relocated to Arwyp’s sessional rooms.

“I would also like to thank Arwyp for making their sessional rooms available for our practice in the meantime.”