BOIPATONG – One of Vanderbijlpark’s biggest steel manufacturing companies, Cape Gate, caught fire on Monday, January 01.

This is after a disastrous blaze destroyed the factory’s Galvanized Fine Wire plant, causing the steel titan to close down.

The cause of the fire which broke out on the first day of the new year remains unknown, leaving a trail of speculation and concerns.

Following the fire which drew the attention of residents who stood outside the steel firm gates as smoke billowed in the sky, three fire engines from different fire stations swiftly responded to the scene and assisting with the cooling as the fire was already put out.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Ntombi Mkhize (36) said she heard a big bang coming from the factory, which led her to the scene.

“We were having a New Year’s family gathering at home [which is a stone’s throw away from home] when we heard a loud bang. We [together with some relatives] ran to the gates of Cape Gate when we saw smoke rising to the sky. Moments later as we stood there, we witnessed several fire engines attending to the fire,” she said.

Another bystander, Tlokoa Tsotetsi (43) said “The dark smoke in the sky drew me to the scene. I knew the fire was coming from Cape Gate when I saw the smoke in the clouds. I had to confirm my suspicions; hence I am here,” he said.

While several police vehicles could be seen on the premises of the steel titan, police spokeswoman, Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela said the incident wasn’t reported to their station.

“Boipatong SAPS can confirm that there was no complaint or scene of a fire that was attended by my officers. I made inquiries with my senior officers about the incident and there was no such incident reported,” she said.

Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesman Chuchi Radebe said “ On the day of the incident at Cape Gate, the ELM Fire Department control room received a late emergency call from the company, three engines from Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and Evaton depots were dispatched to attend to the fire.”

“Upon arrival, the flames were already out and our teams assisted with the cooling down process. More details on the incident can be obtained from the company,” he said.

Despite strenuous attempts to get a response and issue the firm a right of reply, media inquiries were met by silence.