On April 3, the Marthinus Pretorius flats became the victim of a devastating fire, set ablaze by a mob in their pursuit of suspected criminals.

The incident unfolded as an enraged crowd took matters into their own hands, resulting in the destruction of the building. With no indication of owners planning to renovate or rebuild, these buildings have been taken over by squatters, turning them into havens for criminals, sex workers, homeless individuals, and drug addicts.

The condition of these two flats has deteriorated into a swampy mess, overrun with overgrown vegetation, accompanied by the stench of human waste and urine.

Piles of rubbish smoulder, while some brick structures stand without roofs, doors, or windows.

Copper cables have been stolen and sold for cash, while recyclers have dismantled the steel door and window frames at Becquerel.

Bricks from the top floor have been pilfered, leaving the walls incomplete. In Marthinus Pretorius, only the steel frames have been taken, yet the structure still houses alleged drug users.

Located just meters away from Vanderbijlpark town, both buildings present a stark contrast to their once-thriving state. Nthabiseng Motloung, a resident in the remaining portion of Becquerel, expressed her fear for her life.

“I have lived here for almost my entire life. While this place was never perfect, we managed to survive before the fire. Now, drug users are stripping it bare, stealing all the steel. Homeless people now sleep within these walls, despite the building having a roof. We have tried reaching out to the

supposed owners, but our complaints fall on deaf ears,” she lamented. Thabiso Radebe, a resident of Marthinus Pretorius, added: “Every day, we witness Nyaope addicts coming to the building to take windows and door frames. The fire has left this place in ruins. Our safety is no longer guaranteed, as drug users, homeless individuals, and even sex workers utilize the burnt flats.”