Villieria blast remembered in 19th anniversary
This week marked the anniversary of an explosion in which three people died and homes were destroyed.
This week marks the anniversary of an explosion that shook many residents in the Moot 19 years ago.
On 10 October 2000, three people died after a massive explosion at a Villieria residence.
The blast was caused by a supply of commercial explosives.
Damage of R4.7-million was caused to 17 homes in the area when about 125kg of commercial explosives ignited in Derrick Barrett’s garage in 27th Avenue.
Three adjacent houses were destroyed in the blast. Six others on either side of these three were declared unsafe for occupation.
According to reports on the scene, the explosion left a crater in the ground about three metres deep.
Barret’s wife, Louisa, a neighbour, Hans Werner, and a gardener, George Makhubela, died. Marlene van Niekerk, Barrett’s then secretary, lost the sight in one of her eyes.
Barrett was arrested shortly thereafter but only jailed on 22 February 2011. He had been found guilty in April 2003 of manslaughter and possession of explosives on an unlicensed site.
With the 19th anniversary of the explosion, this day still remains fresh in some residents’ memories as they shared it on social media.
“My parents are still living in our old house. They are one of few people who have decided to stay and not move,” one Facebook user recalled.
Another said: “Will never forget that day. Can’t imagine it’s been that long since it happened.”
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