Instead of waking up to the smell of braai smoke, Potchefstroom residents woke up to the smell of a different kind of smoke on Heritage Day.
During the early morning hours of 24 September, first responders responded to a call informing them of a fire in New Market Street. The N12 was closed between Watler Sisulu and Sol Plaatjie Street due to the fire, and firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, but unfortunately a lot of damage was already done. In the video below, which was shared on various social media platforms, it was initially thought that the fire took place at HAVAL. Later on it came to light that the fire took place at Red-Cap Wholesalers, but later spread to the HAVAL Worskhop, as these two establishments are right behind one another.
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the owners, employers and employees of Red-Cap Wholesalers, as this was a favourite among many Potchefstromers.
An investigation is currently underway, as the cause of the fire is still unknown. A thank you goes out to all the first responders, especially the JB Marks Fire Department for your hard work and dedication.
Johané van Dyk - Potchefstroom
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Photos from the damage caused at HAVAL's Workshop
All photos were obtained on the Potchefstroom First Responders Facebook page
Photos from the aftermath at Red-Cap Wholesalers
JB Marks Fire cleaning up
