By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Mpumalanga ANC offices in Mbombela were set on fire this morning allegedly by a man who had appeared to be visiting the building.
The suspect had reportedly demanded to see President Cyril Ramaphosa and police minister Bheki Cele, and became angry when he was told they are not based in these offices.
He then stood up from his chair and started splashing petrol into some of the offices and onto some staff members, and before he could be stopped, set them alight.
Fortunately, no staff member was injured or hurt. A significant part of the building’s interior, some office furniture and some files were damaged.
According to the ANC, the fire broke out at about 9am and firefighters had to rush to the building popularly known as January Che Masilela House to extinguish the fire.
ANC spokesperson in Mpumalanga Sasekani Manzini said they suspect arson and that they have “a person of interest”.
“Yes we have noted that our offices have caught fire this morning. Firefighters and other law enforcement agencies are already on the scene and the fire is being put out.
Other ANC members present at the scene says they suspect foul play and argued that some people may not want the conference to sit as scheduled.
In the forefront, looking set to win the conference, is the grouping named Focus, which wants Mandla Ndlovu as chairperson, Speedy Mashilo as deputy chairperson, Muzi Chirwa as the secretary, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali as the deputy secretary, and Mandla Msibi as the treasurer.
The offices accommodate other party structures which include the ANC Women’s League and ANC Youth League.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala said as the fire is being put out they have started their investigation.