Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the fire that destroyed the Germiston Home Affairs office.
The incident happened on Tuesday during a protest by Pharoe Park residents against eviction for unpaid rent.
Amid the unrest, some protesters allegedly threw a petrol bomb into the first floor of the Home Affairs building, sparking a fire that spread from a neighbouring block of flats.
Swift arrests made
Schreiber said Home Affairs had opened a criminal case and was working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure convictions.
“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,” he said.
Police arrested two people on Tuesday and took two more into custody on Thursday.
“For those who jumped to conclusions designed to fuel another type of fire: all four are South Africans, who will be prosecuted because we are governed by law, not prejudice,” Schreiber added.
Services continue despite damage
The department has deployed mobile offices to continue providing services in the area.
Should protesters who destroy public offices face harsher prison sentences?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
