It’s understood that a fire also broke out in October 2021 in one of the facility’s rooms, destroying the room and some articles inside. No loss of life or injuries were reported thanks to residents managing to extinguish the fire.

Yesterday morning at around 10:30 am, a fire erupted in the independent living unit, which officials of the department put out while safely evacuating 34 residents to other units. 

A spokesperson for the North West Department of Social Development, Petrus Siko, explained that six officials, who have inhaled smoke, were rushed to a nearby hospital to receive medical treatment and were discharged later in the afternoon.

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“As the department, we are so pleased that no injuries or fatalities were reported during this incident. Our social workers will continue to provide psycho-social support in the form of counselling to the elderly, as well as all our staff members at this facility. We want to assure the people of North West that the elderly and people with disabilities at this facility are safe from any harm. We will continue to provide the best residential care for them in line with our norms and standards,” he said.

ALSO READ: Old age home in North West without electricity for a month

Siko added that the department will assess the extent of the damage and the affected area will be fixed soon, while a case of arson has been registered at a local police station in Madibeng.

A week ago, OFM News reported that people living in the Rotarus Home for Senior Citizens in Mahikeng, in the Ratlou Local Municipality, were without electricity for a month. DA councillor Arista Annandale claimed that 28 elderly residents were receiving a small bucket of hot water, heated on a gas stove, to wash with. It’s understood that the facility owes Eskom about R700 000, resulting in the suspension of the electricity supply. To reconnect the electricity supply, Eskom requires a 50% payment towards the debt.

OFM News