A Shoprite store in Khayelitsha Mall went up in flames on Tuesday morning ahead of an expected panic-buying frenzy after President Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown.
The fire, which left extensive damage to the store, started just before 8am, before the store opened.
Retail shop goes up in flames. Video: Phando Jikelo/ANA
Councillor Patrick Mngxunyeni said: “They suspect an electric fault. Shoprite was servicing many areas in Khayelitsha and this will cause a stampede in Makhaza and Nonkqubela as they are the only malls now.
“Also, people will spend more money travelling to other stores.”
SCENE: Shoprite. Picture: Brendan Magaar/ANA
The City’s fire and rescue Jermaine Carelse said: “We received the call at 7.38am of a shop alight at Khayelitsha Mall.
The firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the storeroom area. However partial damage to the Deli and Bakery was sustained when a section of the wall collapsed.”
Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse. Video: Velani Ludidi
Shoprite’s media team said no staff or customers were injured.
“A full independent forensic investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and extent of the damage, and the time needed to get the store operational again,” said a statement.