05 Feb 2020

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi says his ministry will do everything possible to assist the 28 soldiers affected by the fire incident at the BDF Village Garrison on February 3.

Speaking during a tour of the facility to assess the damage with the BDF commander on February 4, the minister noted that he was aware that the damage had significantly cost the occupants of the burned building all of their belongings.

He however expressed relief that no lives had been lost during the fire incident, noting that belongings could be replaced.

Mr Mmusi said they were waiting for investigation reports on the cause of the fire in order to make recommendations and come up with beneficial solutions for the soldiers.

He further noted that the affected soldiers were undergoing counselling to rehabilitate them from the trauma that had come with the fire outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the BDF, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo said the army was hastening efforts to find accommodation for the soldiers.

He also acknowledged that the soldiers had lost everything in the fire, but revealed that they had made budgetary provisions to assist them with basic necessities before they could receive the necessary help and replacement of their belongings, pending investigations into the fire.

“We’re still waiting for investigations to determine if the BDF is liable to compensate the affected soldiers or if the fire was an arson,’ added General Segokgo. 

He also confirmed that a 25-man barracks block was destroyed during the fire, adding that fire rescue service responded in time to stop the fire from spreading to other barracks blocks.

He further assured that the BDF would work towards giving the necessary support to the affected soldiers, so that their lives could be as normal as possible during the difficult time.  ENDS