The Department of Home Affairs said despite the fire, damage and losses of infrastructure and equipment at its Germiston building on Tuesday, critical documents remain safe.
The building was allegedly torched by angry residents of a nearby block of flats, who were refusing eviction by the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza confirmed this to the media during his oversight visit at the building on Wednesday.
“Smart ID cards and passports are safe despite the damages caused by fire and water during the burning of the office. They were securely locked on the ground floor, which did not catch fire,” said Nzuza.
He expressed the department’s frustration following the incident, adding that work is underway with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to book.
“Protests must not be violent. Expressing your rights must not negatively impact the rights of others negatively. What they have done here is barbaric and I must make it clear, law enforcement will take its course. We’ll make sure that the state exerts its authority,” Nzuza warned.
The deputy minister also highlighted that over 500 people in need of Home Affairs daily services will have to be directed to other branches for the time being.
