Picture: OK furnishers gutted by fire at Taung Mall
By REGINALD KANYANE
One shop was gutted by fire at Taung Mall on Tuesday during a fire outbreak on Tuesday evening. The residents said they were shocked to see a huge cloud of smoke coming out of the mall at around 7:30pm.
One of the residents, Lesego Van Wyk who stays in Rooiwal village said: “We rushed to the scene after seeing a huge cloud of smoke coming out of the mall. On our arrival, atleast the fire was confined to only one shop.
“We need to applaud the Fire Emergency personnel for their swift reaction to the situation. Imagine, if the whole mall was gutted by fire? This would have had a negative impact on the local economy,” van Wyk said.
Another bystander, Lesego Medupe who stays at Extension 6 shared the same sentiments. Medupe alleged that the fire started at the OK furniture shop and some employees were still inside the shop.
“I suspect that the cause of the fire might be an electrical fault. The shop is selling electric appliances and surely something went wrong there. The most obvious consequence of shopping mall fires is the damage done to the structure.
“We hope the mall management fixes the damages timeously because the centre is our only hope. We cannot afford to go to Vryburg or Hartswater to do shopping. All these shops that are in the mall are equally important to us as consumers,” she said.
The Eris Property Group, which Taung Mall is under, confirmed that, indeed, the fire broke out at the centre. The Eris Property Group Manager, Carina Roux said, due to the swift and professional response of the local Taung Fire Emergency Brigade, police, and other stakeholders, the fire was contained to only one section of the building, which is OK Furnishers and Autozone.
“No persons were hurt or had to be treated for any injuries. There is no further information as to the cause of the fire, as the matter is currently being investigated.
“The owners and management of Taung Mall are working hand in hand with a professional team to ensure that the centre is safe to open for trade during the course of Wednesday,” she said.
Roux said the Taung Mall, its shareholders, retailers, and staff would like to thank the local Fire Emergency Brigade and the police for their amazing support and efficiency, in which they managed the scene on site.
She said, should members of the public have any further queries, should direct them to Carina Roux at (051) 406 8220.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Only one shop has been affected and an inquiry case has been opened.
“The police do not suspect any foul play at this stage and we will allow the investigation to unfold.”
The Guardian 