Xolani Dlamini|Published
Malawian traders and travellers say they lost food, clothing and other belongings after a fire destroyed a warehouse in Durban’s CBD. The owner says an arson case is being opened, but the cause has not been confirmed.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze at Ismail C Meer Street; those at the scene said everything inside the building had been destroyed by the fire.
The warehouse belongs to the Ulemu Bus Company, which transports foreign nationals from Durban to Malawi.
The building also serves as storage for Malawian nationals selling in the Durban CBD and stores goods set to be transported to Malawi from Durban.
Malawians on the scene said this is a huge blow for them.
When sundaytribune.co.za arrived on the scene, Malawians were digging through the debris and burned remains hoping to salvage some belongings.
A Malawian, who asked to remain anonymous, said he lost all of his belongings in the fire.
"I cannot speak properly for now because I am still traumatised by the incident. I have lost everything in this building due to the fire. My goods include raw fish, sweet drinks, sweets, fruits, vegetables to name a few," he said.
He sells his goods on IC Meet Street.
Another Malawian national Joseph Ngomou, who lost the belongings meant for his family, said he was devastated.
Ngomou said nothing came out of the burnt building.
"My belongings ready for deportation to Malawi were all burned down. I lost sleeping blankets, mattresses and clothes. I did not even get one piece from the burned building," he said.
Ngomou said he has changed his mind about visiting home since he lost his staff.
The building owner said he was currently opening a case of arson.