Durban - What will become of the remains of the Xinhua Distribution Centre on Dr Pixley KaSeme Street that was gutted by a fire in January this year?
The burnt-out multi-storey building catches the eye of motorists exiting and entering the CBD.
The Daily News had received reports that vagrants and drug addicts have sneaked into the abandoned building and made it a home, despite armed guards patrolling around it.
Fears that it could collapse led to the closure of traffic lanes around the building. City officials and staff were warned not to enter the building until it was declared structurally safe. The building was a distribution centre.
A City official who did not want to be named on Monday said they were informed that vagrants had entered the building, scavenging for items they could salvage and sell.
“People fear for their lives because these vagrants do as they please. When they are confronted … and reprimanded, they threaten to stab officials or guards.”
The Daily News found smoke emanating from the building when they visited it on Monday. It is believed the small fire was lit by vagrants to keep warm, or to burn items for scrap or copper material. It is said that they frequently enter the building to take whatever is left; some even sleep there. A jacket, presumably used by a vagrant, was also hanging on the entrance gate.
The building's head of security said he could not comment.
Durban assistant chief fire officer Zibuse Ngcece and police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala directed all queries to the City.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said they will investigate allegations about vagrants taking refuge in the building.
The centre burnt down in January; 13 people were rescued at the time. There were no fatalities.
Daily News