CITY OF EKURHULENI RESPONDS TO FIRE INCIDENT AT HOME AFFAIRS GERMISTON AND COURT-ORDERED EVICTIONS IN GERMISTON AREA

The City of Ekurhuleni has noted with concern the fire incident that broke out this morning at the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston.

According to preliminary reports from the City’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), the fire engulfed the second floor of the two-storey building. Multiple fire vehicles were dispatched to the scene and firefighters managed to contain and knock down the blaze, preventing further spread to other parts of the building. Firefighters were forced to make entry into locked areas to secure the premises.

At this stage, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, although arson is suspected. A full fire investigation will commence once the site is fully secured. No injuries have been reported at this time.

The City condemns in the strongest terms any acts of violence, destruction of public property or intimidation, and calls for calm and cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

Separately, the City confirms that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) is executing a court order relating to evictions of unlawful occupants in the Pharoe Park, low cost rental stock in the Germiston area, acting in compliance with the directive of the court. EMPD officers remain on-site to maintain law and order, and to ensure that the execution of the order is conducted within the confines of the law.

The City calls on all residents to remain calm, to allow emergency and law enforcement services to carry out their duties, and to raise any grievances through peaceful and lawful channels.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.