By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a fire that allegedly broke out inside the archive office at Barberton police station on Thursday morning of 21 November, leaving an undisclosed number of archived dockets damaged.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said officials at the police station reportedly noticed smoke coming from the office and authorities were notified immediately.
“ Firefighters were called to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident and some archived sockets were burnt, though the figures are yet to be determined,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, said a team of experts has been assigned to uncover the cause of the blaze. He said it’s too early to insinuate that the fire might be related to the recent case of four Barberton cops who are facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.
“ We cannot at this time link this incident to the recent arrest of four members. That case is being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Unit(the Hawks). We are confident that the inquiry will provide clarity on what transpired,” said General Mkhwanazi.
