Supplied
The Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape has condemned what it called 'the ongoing neglect of municipal infrastructure' in Komani after the Town Hall caught fire on Friday evening.
DA-MPL, Jane Cowley says this was the fourth building in the town damaged by fire.
She commended the Community Police Forum and all other volunteers who made every effort to save the building and prevent the flames from spreading to other buildings.
Cowley says it is disturbing that all four buildings that have been gutted by fire in recent months, contained valuable and sensitive municipal records.
She says the fire engine, which was waiting for repairs in October last year when the art gallery burnt down, is still without an engine and the municipality alleges they have no money for repairs.
Cowley says she will write to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Xolile Nqatha, to request a full investigation into the fire and the previous ones which destroyed municipal assets in the Enoch Mgijima Municipality.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said a police patrol spotted smoke coming out of the building and upon investigation saw that it was on fire.
"SAPS has registered an inquiry docket for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been determined," he said.
"Anyone with information that can shed light on the cause of the fire is requested to please make contact with Komani Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 08 600 10 111."
