By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Old Brakpan Library in the East Rand, a beacon of knowledge and heritage in the town, was engulfed in a massive fire on Friday evening.
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi says there was extensive damage to the building.
“When we arrived on scene, the building was well alight. As per the information recived, arson is suspected to be the cause of the fire.
“No fatalities were reported, a case of investigation is ongoing.”
The fire was extinguished around 10:30pm.
Since the opening of the new Brakpan Library, the old building has been a target for vandals and neglected by the municipality.
The construction of the original library in 1932 marked a significant chapter in Brakpan’s history, with the library becoming a cherished community asset over the years.
In 2017, the new Brakpan Library opened its doors, built at a cost of R14 million. The new facility, equipped with modern amenities like unlimited WiFi and a state-of-the-art computer lab, was a symbol of progress.
However, the old library, once a pillar of the community, was left to deteriorate, leading to the dire state it found itself in before the fire.