After yet another fire at the Town Centre Shopping Centre, stall owners now believe they are being victimised by spiteful arsonists.
Fire and Rescue teams were dispatched yesterday morning but found only rubbish burning after claims that more stalls were set alight.
Spokesman Jermaine Carelse confirms: “Mitchells Plain Fire crew responded to the incident in Symphony Walk. It was rubbish alight and the fire was extinguished at 11.27pm.”
On 10 January, the Pep store was damaged, and an estimated five stalls burnt down in a mysterious fire.
One man was wounded and cops confirmed they are investigating a case of malicious damage to property.
On Sunday just before midnight, authorities were alerted after claims that a store was burning but it turned out to be vullis.
AFTERMATH: The charred remains
Police spokesperson Siyabulela Malo says a case of malicious damage to property has been opened for investigation after the double glass door of Pep was cracked last week.
“There is no estimated amount for the damage caused. No arrests have been made so far,” says Malo.
“On Monday, January 13, at 6.30am, police noticed some burnt items possibly of a store, but no persons have reported any incident related to the items as yet.
“Anyone with information about the incident that can assist with the investigation is requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Mnyaka of Mitchells Plain CID at 021 370 1782.”
Stall owner Amiena Jones says they believe they are being targeted: “What else can it be but arson, who is starting these fires?”
Amiena lost her wooden structure but no stock after last week’s fire.