Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has confirmed he will be opening a criminal case following the fire that engulfed a block of Home Affairs flats in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, early this morning. The blaze, allegedly started by protesters using petrol bombs, caused extensive damage to the two-story building, severely disrupting key services such as ID and passport processing.
The fire follows growing unrest linked to demands by some residents to occupy the nearby Pharoe Park flats rent-free. The protest, which escalated into violence, has drawn widespread concern from authorities, with Minister Schreiber condemning the destruction of public infrastructure and warning of legal consequences for those involved.
“This kind of lawlessness not only puts lives at risk but also robs citizens of essential services,” the minister said. He vowed swift action to ensure accountability while reaffirming the department’s commitment to restoring services as quickly as possible.
The incident has reignited conversations about urban housing pressures and civil unrest, as well as the balance between protest rights and public safety. Investigations are ongoing.
