Pretoria - The fire that broke out at the SA Army College Centre for Conflict Simulation building in Thaba Tshwane on Tuesday morning remains the subject of an investigation.
Department of Defence spokesperson, Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa, said the fire did not cause any injuries or fatalities.
Mahapa said: “The fire was brought under control by the Tshwane Emergency Services in conjunction with the SA Air Force. The extent of the damage and the cost thereof will be assessed during the investigation, including the events that led to the cause of the fire.”
In September last year, about 500 vehicles burnt at an army vehicle depot in Wallmannsthal.
In January, a massive fire erupted at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
Resident Vincent Ringane said: “Fires are almost a norm in the army. Maybe it is time a proper investigation (is done) and adequate fire control measures put in place.
“This should come as a wake-up call to the Occupational Health and Safety office and ultimately the army firemaster.”
Thato Sekgoele said: “What is happening, SANDF? We cannot afford for infrastructure dilapidation at the core of nation’s defence. Protect, build invest and grow the nation.”
Duduzile kaMkhondo said this brought about a bad reputation for the SANDF. She wondered how many buildings and vehicles had to burn for an adequate budget to be allocated to the SANDF fire and rescue department.
“It is useless to have manpower without serviceable equipment,” she said.
Pretoria News