Image Source: SABC News
Local – Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the department would take legal action following the arson attack on its Germiston office on Tuesday morning.
The fire erupted during clashes over evictions, with protesters allegedly demanding to occupy Pharoe Park flats without paying rent.
The minister confirmed that evidence was being collected to ensure those responsible face prosecution. Officials are also reviewing security footage to strengthen the case.
“Home Affairs is collating evidence and will open criminal charges against the anarchists who set a block of flats on fire in Germiston, which then spread to the neighbouring Home Affairs office.”
“It is nothing less than an attack on our social infrastructure and cannot stand,” Schreiber said in a post on X.
Government Condemns Destruction of Public Property
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Terry Vandayar said the incident damaged essential infrastructure and diverted public funds away from development priorities.
He stressed that such acts undermine democracy and place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
He emphasised that while South Africans have the constitutional right to protest, it must be exercised without violence or destruction. Authorities have warned that unlawful protests and property damage will not be tolerated.
“Such acts of vandalism undermine the very rights and freedoms that South Africans have fought hard to secure and place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers who will ultimately bear the cost of repairs,” Vandayar said.
“While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, it must be exercised in a peaceful and lawful manner that respects the rights of others and safeguards public property.”
“Violence and destruction are not acceptable means of expressing grievances, and will not be tolerated,” he added.
Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
Emergency services responded to the fire shortly after 8 am. Firefighters from multiple stations were dispatched to contain the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service spokesperson William Ntladi said the top floor of the building was severely damaged, and crews were still working to access the ground floor.
“The top section is the one that is well alight. The bottom one, we’re still battling to break in and see what’s happening. Resources are here, multiple fire stations, with multiple vehicles, and a number of firefighters are on site,” Ntladi said.
