Burgershoop tent camp up in flames again
West Rand Emergency Services confirmed several tents were destroyed at the infamous Johan Botha Park squatter camp.
Another fire caused major damage at the Burgershoop tent camp, now known as the Johan Botha Park squatter camp, on Wednesday afternoon, November 6.
The camp, located next to the Harlequins Rugby Club, has unfortunately caught fire several times over the years leaving the many already homeless even more destitute.
According to West Rand Emergency Services Regional Commander Gerhard Nieuwoudt, they received a call at about 16:15 of the tents at the camp on fire.
• Also read: Burgershoop camp fire: Homeless residents lose everything
“Several dwellers’ tents caught fire due to an unidentified ignition source leaving many squatters homeless. By the time firefighters arrived on the scene most of the tents were already consumed by fire, which was extinguished within just over an hour,” he explained.
He added firefighters, CPF, Public Safety and council officials were on the scene. Fortunately, no lives were lost nor were any injuries reported.
“Mogale’s Public Safety has made several attempts to relocate the dwellers since it’s not the first time the camp burnt down, but they keep coming back. The matter will be addressed to the council going forward,” Nieuwoudt concluded.
