Eastern Cape cops lose everything after blaze sparked by loadshedding destroys police barracks

South Africa: 17 cops lose everything as fire destroys police barracks

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:36 pm

Donations are pouring in for 17 Lusikisiki police officers who had been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs after a fireplace destroyed the Hlababomvu police station’s barracks this month.

Touched by means of the plight of the men in blue, local agencies replied with donations ranging from blankets, food, electrical appliances, furnishings and clothing.

The furnace on 15 July used to be believed to have been induced by way of loadshedding, Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe published at the time of the incident.

Tikana-Gxotiwe stated a massive explosion was once heard that day immediately after electricity switched returned on following a electricity cut. 

No one was injured in the incident, as most officers have been both at work or off duty.

On Friday, Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenent General Liziwe Ntshinga introduced that the single quarters would be changed with a brand new barracks to be constructed soon.

  You cannot replace a life, but all these material matters that went up in flames are replaceable. We will begin by means of making certain the officers have two new units of uniform so you that they can stroll and wear that police badge with pride.

“They will forget about about this gutted structure because we will construct a new constructing to residence our officers.”

Ntshinga additionally introduced that a police officer had died on Friday morning due to Covid-19. She did now not grant greater details.

(News24)