RESIDENTS living near the Hlabisa traffic department offices last Saturday night awoke to a massive blaze threatening to engulf their homes as the government building burnt down.

The fire started at about midnight and, while no cause has yet been established, it is regarded as a suspected arson attack.

‘A security guard stationed at the building heard a noise and asked if anyone was there,’ said Captain Justice Hlabisa, Mtubatuba SAPS Communications Officer.

‘He then heard a gunshot and ran to call for backup, but by the time he returned to the scene, the fire had started and no one was in sight.’

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