The Matjhabeng spokesperson, Kgojane Matutle, tells OFM News that the municipality currently has three fire trucks and four skid units that have to service six towns with thirty six wards. He confirmed that there is only one skid unit that is currently operational. Recent fires in various areas of Matjhabeng have seen residents stranded as they had to put out fires without the assistance of the relevant, professional firefighters, due to the lack of a firefighting fleet.

Fire incidents had escalated over the course of the weekend in Welkom, where a man reportedly died in a shack fire in Thabong. The owner and witnesses have allegedly placed multiple calls to the Matjhabeng Fire Department, which never showed up. While the Mimosa Hall in Odendaalsrus was destroyed by a fire on Tuesday afternoon, trucks also went up in smoke in Welkom’s industrial area.

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Matutle says the firefighting vehicles are prone to breakdowns as they are old. He adds that the Public Safety Department has made it a priority to ensure that the ageing red fleet are repaired and operational. 

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Matutle also adds that the municipality has further procured one additional fire engine worth R2.9 million, which has been paid. He concludes that the municipality is awaiting a truck on loan from the service provider, expected by month-end.

OFM News