An investigation by a team of forensic experts is underway to determine the cause of the fire that engulfed the Free State Premier’s official residence in Bloemfontein. The devastating fire reportedly occurred on Thursday at about 09:30.
The fire has caused extensive damage worth millions to the property, which is one of the historic buildings in the Free State capital.
During the incident, dark smoke emitted by the flames could be seen in the sky. The fire spread rapidly, leading to the collapse of the first floor’s ceiling. The fire was extinguished by firefighters from the Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services.
No fatalities were reported, as there were no occupants at the time of the fire outbreak.
Mxolisi Dukwana, the new premier, was yet to occupy the property after his predecessor, Sisi Ntombela, had vacated the house. Ntombela succeeded Ace Magashule, who resided at the property from 2009 until March 2018.
Sello Dithebe, the premier’s spokesperson, confirmed that the team of forensic experts from Pretoria visited the fire-gutted house on Friday (24/03), and started their investigation following a visit to the premises by Kopung Ralikontsane, the provincial government director general.
The investigation is expected to establish the financial costs incurred due to the devastating fire. Complications surrounding the origin of the fire at the state-owned residence led to the involvement of the team of forensic experts. Additionally, a team from the provincial police was immediately deployed at the house after the outbreak of the fire.
No persons were allowed on the premises on Thursday, apart from a team of firefighters.
The provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure confirmed there was maintenance work underway at the residence at the time the fire broke out, adding that all workers were safely evacuated from the house.
