Cause of Botha Sigcau building fire still unknown

Nearly two weeks after a fire destroyed the historic Botha Sigcau building in Mthatha, the cause is still unknown.

The Eastern Cape government said the site is being monitored, with firefighters assessing damage to determine if the building is safe.

Teams are also working to establish whether any undamaged assets can be recovered.

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Firefighters entered the building on Sunday to cool the structure and release trapped heat and smoke, as some floors were still emitting smoke.

Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said the operation is aimed at ensuring no hidden fires remain.

“Following the operation, the increase in billowing smoke has been observed, attributed to trapped heat and combustion gases now being safely released from the affected strong rooms. This is an expected and controlled occurrence as conditions stabilise, and it does not indicate 2 any new fire activity.”