A convenience store in Zwelitsha has gone up in flames, leaving hundreds of residents without a nearby shop.
The supermarket and butchery, owned by businessman Xolile Mabona, was home to Absa, Nedbank and FNB ATMs, a lotto machine and electricity pay point.
Zwelitsha residents now have to travel to King William’s Town to access those services after the fire on Sunday.
Ward councillor Tony Mtintsilana said: “We are deeply distressed. Our people now have to take a taxi to town using the money they don’t have just to go and buy basic necessities.”
Mabona said the cause of the fire was still unknown. He estimated it would cost R3-million to fix the store, which has been operating for 26 years.
Mabona’s family has been doing business in the area for the last 40 years.
He said an engineer had been appointed to investigate and determine the extent of the damage caused.
While Mabona operates the butchery business, he had leased out the supermarket to a Greek businessman who reportedly lost R1-million in stock.
Mabona said fire services were called to the scene just after 9pm. He was alerted to the scene by neighbours who had heard a loud explosion followed by smoke and fire emanating from the roof.
“I live in East London, so I rushed to the scene and found both the butchery and supermarket on fire.
“The fire services department initially struggled to gain access through the store because it was locked and when they finally did they ran out of water.
“Another truck had to be called out. By 12am there were three water trucks fighting the fire,” Mabona said.
He said a service provider for the banks had arrived on Monday morning to take cash from the three ATMs situated outside the supermarket.
“The ATMs were not damaged. They are just not working because there is no electricity at the supermarket, so SBV came and guarded the ATMs until the money was removed,” Mabona said.
He said they would work round the clock to ensure the store returned to normality. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Fire destroys businesses in Zwelitsha
The supermarket and butchery, owned by businessman Xolile Mabona, was home to Absa, Nedbank and FNB ATMs, a lotto machine and electricity pay point.
Zwelitsha residents now have to travel to King William’s Town to access those services after the fire on Sunday.
Ward councillor Tony Mtintsilana said: “We are deeply distressed. Our people now have to take a taxi to town using the money they don’t have just to go and buy basic necessities.”
Mabona said the cause of the fire was still unknown. He estimated it would cost R3-million to fix the store, which has been operating for 26 years.
Mabona’s family has been doing business in the area for the last 40 years.
He said an engineer had been appointed to investigate and determine the extent of the damage caused.
While Mabona operates the butchery business, he had leased out the supermarket to a Greek businessman who reportedly lost R1-million in stock.
Mabona said fire services were called to the scene just after 9pm. He was alerted to the scene by neighbours who had heard a loud explosion followed by smoke and fire emanating from the roof.
“I live in East London, so I rushed to the scene and found both the butchery and supermarket on fire.
“The fire services department initially struggled to gain access through the store because it was locked and when they finally did they ran out of water.
“Another truck had to be called out. By 12am there were three water trucks fighting the fire,” Mabona said.
He said a service provider for the banks had arrived on Monday morning to take cash from the three ATMs situated outside the supermarket.
“The ATMs were not damaged. They are just not working because there is no electricity at the supermarket, so SBV came and guarded the ATMs until the money was removed,” Mabona said.
He said they would work round the clock to ensure the store returned to normality. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos