Mapaballo Borotho

- A petrol bomb attack during a violent eviction protest gutted the Germiston Home Affairs office on Tuesday.
- The Department of Home Affairs says all Smart ID cards and passports are safe.
- Mobile offices in Alberton and Boksburg will serve affected residents while repairs are underway.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Smart ID cards and passports remain safe following a fire at its Germiston branch on Tuesday.
The blaze erupted during a violent protest by residents of the Pharoe Park residential area, who were demonstrating against an eviction campaign by the City of Ekurhuleni.
The municipality is executing court orders to remove alleged illegal occupiers from government-owned flats. The residents are accused of not paying rent or purchasing electricity.
During the unrest, a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown into the double-storey Home Affairs building, causing a fire that led to the collapse of the upper-level roof.
Two suspects have been arrested and are facing charges of public violence, damage to property, and arson.
Gauteng Home Affairs Manager, Mamokubung Moroke, said the department will set up mobile workstations at its Alberton and Boksburg offices to assist Germiston residents while the damaged branch remains closed.
“People will still be assisted in those offices, particularly for applications, as we are unable to clearly indicate how for collections because the documents are still in the building. As soon as we are able to evacuate everything, the Department will issue a statement regarding where people can collect.”
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