Residents attempted to loot this shop after firefighters extinguished a fire there, says Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie.
Bishop Lavis police are investigating the source of a fire at a shop in Bonteheuwel after candles and thinners were found in the shop.
The fire broke out at Bontifair Supermarket in Bonteheuwel Avenue, on Tuesday February 18, at around 1.30am, said City Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse.
He said firefighters had gained access to the building through the main roller shutter door and a security gate and extinguished the fire by 2.50am.
Firefighters had found several incendiary devices, including containers with thinners and lighted candles, and called police to investigate the cause of the fire, he said.
“The fire caused damage to the front section of the shop, with the remainder sustaining smoke damage. No structural damages were reported. No injuries were reported,” he said.
Residents attempted to loot the shop after the fire had been extinguished, said Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie. While it is not determined if and what was stolen, other residents attempted to stop the looting, he said.
“This behaviour is disgusting, unacceptable, and extremely unbecoming. I would like to thank those residents who relentlessly attempted to stop the looting,” he said.
Bishop Lavis police station did not respond to enquiries from the Athlone News.