Devastating fire at Cape Gate
Despite strenuous attempts to get a response and issue the firm a right of reply, media inquiries were met with silence.
VANDERBIJLPARK. – One of the town’s biggest steel manufacturing companies, Cape Gate, caught fire on Monday, January 1.
1. Photo: Sifiso Jimta.
A disastrous blaze destroyed the factory’s Galvanized Fine Wire plant, causing the steel titan to close down.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving a trail of speculation and concerns.
The fire drew the attention of residents who stood outside the steel firm’s gates as smoke billowed in the sky.
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 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 with silence.
