Residents of the Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand are seeking refuge elsewhere following a devastating fire that swept through the complex on Tuesday night. Firefighters from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) were dispatched to the scene after receiving an emergency call around 9 PM.
According to Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg EMS, the blaze originated on the second floor and affected approximately 130 apartments. As flames engulfed the building, several residents were injured while attempting to escape and have since been transported to nearby health facilities for treatment.
By Wednesday morning, Xolile Khumalo confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. “The residential complex is located on Broadwalk Street in Midrand, about one kilometre from the Gautrain station. The majority of residents were evacuated safely,” Khumalo reported. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, although the total number of displaced residents remains unclear.
Authorities have indicated that an investigation into the cause of the fire will commence once firefighting operations are fully completed. The city is currently in discussions with the complex’s owner to arrange temporary accommodation for those affected. This incident highlights the urgent need for robust emergency preparedness and community support in times of crisis. As residents begin to navigate this challenging situation, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In other news – Woman sentenced to community service following @ssault conviction
A Binga woman was sentenced to perform 300 hours of community service after she was convicted of assault by a Hwange magistrate. Lugwasyo Mudimba (37) of Chigani Village under Chief Pashu, Binga bit off a piece of a fellow villager’s ear accusing her of gossiping about her.
The complainant also sustained other injuries as a result of the assault. Prosecutors proved that on the 16th of March 2024, Midimba met the 27-year-old complainant along a footpath and started accusing her of gossiping about her in the village. Read More
