LISTEN: Nxesi links Joburg, Civitas fires to state capture ‘fightback’
Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has raised suspicion after the deadly fire at the Bank of Lisbon building in Johannesburg and alleged arson attempts at the Civitas Building in Pretoria.
The fire in the Johannesburg CBD resulted in the deaths of three firefighters.
The Bank of Lisbon building houses three Gauteng government departments, including health, while the Civitas building houses the National Health Department.
Nxesi held a joined briefing with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Friday.
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He said security cameras at the Civitas building were allegedly covered in plastic on Thursday and wires were also tampered with.
"There were two arson attempts this week. The most recent yesterday, with a fire set on the 14th floor whilst there were still people in the building. Fortunately, the fire alarm went off and staff were able to extinguish the blaze, otherwise, the results might have been lethal.
Workers at both buildings have previously raised concerns over the unsafe conditions in which they are expected to work.
While Nxesi admits that the Civitas building has been poorly maintained, he believes there are elements trying to capture legitimate concerns by workers.
"We are bound to suspect a hidden agenda at work here. Are we witnessing new tactics in the fight back by state capture forces which Minister Gordhan talks about? After all, part of state capture involves elements in different areas, including the security apparatus- also suspected of being responsible for attacks on organization seen to be fighting corruption."
A case of attempted arson has been opened with police, as well as cases of arson and cable theft.