Police in Mpumalanga are hunting for suspects after the traffic department offices in Bushbuckridge were set alight in a shocking incident on Monday, 30 March.
The fire broke out at the Mapulaneng Driver’s Licence Testing Centre. It left several offices damaged and disrupted services.
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Police spokesman Mavela Masondo confirmed that an arson case has been opened. Investigations are currently underway.
According to Masondo, cops responded to reports of a fire at the municipal offices.
“Upon arrival at the scene, they found the security guard who alleged that while seated in the guard room, he heard a sound from the back of the building.”
“He went to inspect and found four offices on fire. Firefighters responded and managed to extinguish the blaze.”
Masondo said the cause of the fire is still unknown. It will be determined through police investigations.
The municipality said limited services resumed on Wednesday, 1 April.
“No injuries were reported,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality has strongly condemned the attack on the facility.
Municipal spokeswoman Fhumalani Thovhakale said destroying public buildings hurts the community and stops essential services.
“Such unlawful behaviour not only damages critical infrastructure but also disrupts access to vital services relied upon by the community.
Acts of violence and vandalism have no place in our society and only serve to set back the progress, infrastructure provided and service delivery,” she said.
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Despite the damage, the municipality said it is working quickly to restore services. This is for the residents who depend on the centre.
Due to the fire damage, the station will only partially reopen on Wednesday, 1 April. It will offer limited services, including vehicle licencing, vehicle registration, and the collection of driver’s licences.
