A fire broke out in Polokwane’s CBD on Monday afternoon, spreading and burning through shops at the corner of Paul Kruger and Rissik Street.
People gathered in numbers as smoke filled the whole corner building to the sky, watching helplessly so, while flames spread from one shop to another. One worker from the area said it all started when an iron in one of the stores caught fire just after lunch. Within minutes, the fire had moved across to the other shops, leaving owners and workers running for safety with nothing else to do.
By the time fire crews arrived, parts of the block were already burnt. Shop owners could do nothing but stand and watch as their hard work and stock went up in smoke.
Municipal spokesperson, Thipa Selala said emergency teams arrived quickly at the scene.
“We are thankful no one was hurt. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, and our thoughts are with those whose lives and businesses were impacted,” Selala said.
Sub-Editor: Thibela Thandeka
