Former Broadwalk Urban Village tenants embark on a lawsuit to be compensated for the 2024 Heritage Day fire incident
Berrie Munonoka, former tenant at Broadwalk Urban Village in Halfway House, recalls the deadly fire as if it were just yesterday, despite it being a year later.
September 24 marked one year since the devastating fire at Broadwalk Urban Village in Halfway House, Midrand.
The blaze, which tragically claimed a woman’s life – her body found on the second floor where the fire is believed to have originated – left hundreds displaced and a community shaken. To date, no individual or entity has been held responsible, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
There have been widespread allegations that the building previously functioned as an office park, though the process by which it transitioned to residential use remains unclear.
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A year later, the scars are still visible – not just in the charred remains of the building, but in the lives of those who once called it home.
Earlier this month, former tenant Berrie Munonoka met with the publication at the site to share an update on the legal proceedings initiated by a group of tenants. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages suffered during and after the fire.
“I remember the blaze vividly, like it was yesterday. It’s a very bad memory, and it’s not easy. The chaos when the blaze gained momentum, wow. This place was a home for me for three years, and seeing it now is a shame. It’s like we buried all the good memories in one big hole and covered them up,” Munonoka reflected.
He expressed frustration over what he described as neglect by the entities responsible for managing and owning the property. “It’s as if nothing happened. That’s why we decided to take legal action.”
According to Munonoka, the tenants collectively approached a legal firm on a pro bono basis to seek redress for the trauma and financial loss they had endured.
“The whole ordeal and trauma to start your life afresh, while those responsible continued their lives like nothing happened, is what hurts the most,” he added.
The publication has reviewed a copy of the legal filing, but due to the matter being sub judice, its contents cannot be disclosed.
Attempts to obtain comment from the parties involved were unsuccessful. A representative from a communications firm previously engaged by the property managers confirmed they were no longer retained.
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