Wedding Day Up in Smoke With Home Affairs Fire

What was supposed to be the biggest day in the lives of a couple who were getting married at the home affairs offices in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, was ruined after the offices were destroyed by a fire.

- Faizel Patel

Residents from Pharoe Park took to the streets yesterday, after they were evicted from their homes for unpaid rent.

During the protests, two suspects allegedly threw a petrol bomb into the home affairs offices and set it alight.

Plumes of smoke could be seen as Ekurhuleni Emergency Services and firefighters battled the blaze before bringing it under control.

With the offices suffering severe damages, a couple's big day also went up in smoke.

"I feel sad because it's also my birthday," the bride-to-be said.

"This was supposed to be a good day for us with all the things that we have planned. Unfortunately, now we have to postpone and put plans on hold."