The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has instructed the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) to investigate a potential cause of the fire that destroyed more than 1 000 shacks at the Kya Sand informal settlement north of Johannesburg yesterday. More than 2 000 people were reportedly left homeless.
"It has been widely reported that the fire could have been caused by a paraffin stove and I have instructed the NRCS to conduct an investigation to determine the exact cause. Inspectors from the NRCS visited the area today and their report will enable us to determine the course of action to follow," said Minister Davies.
He added that if the inspectors confirmed that the paraffin stove was the cause of the fire, and establish that the stove did not meet compulsory safety requirements, the NRCS will identify the manufacturer of the paraffin stove, as well as the person who sold it to the owner of the house where the fire started for possible prosecution.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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