SHOPS DESTROYED IN LATE-NIGHT RUSTENBURG FIRE

Rustenburg – On Friday evening, 25 October 2024, a fire engulfed three local businesses at the Rustenburg Taxi Rank, reducing popular spots like the Pirates Casino Club, Super Fry supermarket, and a traditional medicine shop to ashes. 

The fire, which erupted at around 20:00, remains a mystery as to its exact starting point, with witnesses divided over whether it began on the roof or within one of the affected stores.

“Some people noticed smoke rising from the roof and rushed inside to warn those inside,” explained a street vendor stationed nearby. He speculated that faulty wiring might have ignited the flames, which quickly spread, leaving businesses scrambling to save whatever they could.

Rustenburg Local Municipality spokesperson Odirile Madiba confirmed that the Emergency and Disaster Management team responded swiftly, preventing further spread. “Our teams contained the fire, and thankfully, no one was injured,” said Madiba. The extensive effort involved multiple firefighting units from Rustenburg, Anglo American Platinum, Bafokeng EMRS, and Kgetleng, with over 20 firefighters working to battle the blaze until it was fully extinguished around 23:30.

SAPS provided support at the scene, and the cause of the fire is currently under forensic investigation, said police spokesperson colonel Adele Myburgh.

Rustenburg has experienced an alarming rise in fires in recent months, causing widespread concern among residents and local business owners.