Procforum in central Pretoria catches fire
Investigators are unsure of the exact cause of the fire however suspect foul play.
The Legal Practice Council’s Gauteng offices also known as Procforum caught alight in the early hours of September 5.
The fire was reported at approximately 08:20 when smoke was spotted coming from the building. Firefighters and emergency responders were on the scene a short while later to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Located at 123 Paul Kruger St, central Pretoria, the national legal body is in charge of regulating all judicial affairs for all legal practitioners – advocates and attorneys – in all provinces.
EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso said the fire is said to have burnt through the ground-, first- and second floors.
Mabaso confirmed that two occupants of the office that were inside when the fire started were treated for smoke inhalation, one was transported to hospital while the other was released on scene. No fatalities were recorded.
Investigators are unsure of the exact cause of the fire however foul play is suspected. No arrests have yet been made however the security guards at the building suspect two of the eight patients later treated for minor injuries are responsible.
“We are still in the processes of ongoing investigations, we are set to liaise with the building manager soon to find out more details about the building and its occupants to determine the cause of this fire and how we can prevent its reoccurrence,” said Mabaso.
Gauteng emergency medical services were on the scene to treat a further four patients, who were also later released.
The repair costs for the fire and water damage as well as damage to equipment and infrastructure are likely to be in the thousands. No information has been communicated as to when the building would be operational again.
The SAPS is said to have taken over the investigation.
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