Ekurhuleni – Violent protest action erupted in the Germiston CBD on Tuesday morning, with the Department of Home Affairs building set alight and threats made to burn the nearby court.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area surrounding the Department of Home Affairs and the court due to ongoing unrest. Streets affected include President Street, Queen Street, and Jack Street, which are currently closed to traffic.
The protests are reportedly linked to evictions at Pharoe Park, where residents are resisting court-ordered removals. Protestors are allegedly demanding to occupy municipal flats without paying rent and to be declared the rightful owners.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson William Ntladi confirmed that firefighters responded to the blaze at approximately 08h00.
“Home Affairs’ building is well alight. This is a two-storey building, the top section is the one heavily burning. We are still battling to gain access to the bottom floor to assess the situation,” said Ntladi.
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Multiple fire stations, emergency vehicles, SAPS officers, Gauteng traffic officials, and EMPD members are on site. Nearby buildings have been evacuated for safety, and neighbouring structures are being protected.
According to a source at the court, protestors have openly threatened to burn the court building as retaliation for granting the eviction order.
By 09h00, flames at the Home Affairs building were reportedly under control, but the situation in the streets remained tense. No injuries have been reported at this stage, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised to avoid the Germiston CBD until further notice.
BREAKING: Protestors Set Germiston Home Affairs Building Alight, Threaten to Burn Court pic.twitter.com/1zmtMNLYHN
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