Members of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) were supposed to have a meeting with the local union chairperson earlier, following allegations that more than 100 workers are set to be dismissed due to the protracted strike which ended last week. 

* Police spokesperson, Sam Makhele, told OFM News the police meeting was an illegal gathering as it was not authorised in any way.

Makhele says law enforcement officers then dispersed the crowd using stun grenades and rubber bullets when they realised this.

“As we were dispersing them we realised that there was a fire that had started inside the city hall itself. The fire brigade was called to the scene. They are still busy battling the fire. Thus far we cannot say what the extent of the damage is. There were sporadic arrests which took place but I cannot confirm how many people were arrested. There are still people that are being arrested at the moment.”

* Samwu Chairperson in the Free State, Congo Matshepe, said their members are not responsible for the fire. He told OFM News their members were standing outside the building when the fire started.

Mangaung Metro Municipality spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, said he cannot comment on the matter at this point.

* Around 19:30 the fire appeared to be under control, but then picked up, and by 20:10 three fire trucks were battling to tame the blaze and roads around the area were being cordoned off.

* According to information from the scene, the roof of the City Hall collapsed at approximately 20:20.

* DA Councillor, Tjaart van der Walt, claims the workers' anger is the result of Mangaung Metro Mayor, Olly Mlamleli, reneging on her agreements with workers. Speaking to OFM News again at 21:20, Mangaung Metro Spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, said the municipality will not comment on these allegations, and are leaving the situation in the hands of the police.

* The Freedom Front+ sent an email statement, saying Metro Mayor, Olly Mlamleli, failed to pitch for a meeting scheduled with workers earlier today, which contributed to the anger.

* At approximately 22:35, Police Spokesperson, Sam Makhele, said the fire appeared to be under control. The extent of the damage is unknown.

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* Bloemfontein's City Hall was completed in 1935, and was designed by Sir Gordon Leithe. The exterior is constructed of sandstone, while the interior was finished in Italian marble and Burmese wood.

**THIS STORY IS BEING UPDATED CONSTANTLY, AS NEW INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.**

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