- The raging veld fire that has destroyed thousands of hectares of Free State farmland has been largely contained.
- The fire, allegedly started by protesters, killed game and livestock and seriously injured a local farmer.
- Farmers are now taking stock of the damage as they return to their homesteads.
The raging veld fire that has destroyed thousands of hectares of Free State farmland, as well as killing game and livestock and seriously injuring a farmer, has been largely contained.
It has left a path of destruction in its wake, and tired farmers who had been helping to put it out, are returning to their homesteads to take stock of the losses they suffered.
The fire was reportedly started during a service delivery protest in the Tokologo municipality. It has destroyed around 100 000 hectares of farmland around Hoopstad, Christiana and Hertzogville in the Free State.
Local farmer Tewie Nel, 28, is in a critical condition after sustaining second and third-degree burns, Netwerk24 reported.
According to Jack Armor, operations manager of the Free State Agricultural Organisation, spotter planes were despatched on Wednesday morning and reported that there was no sign of any more fires.
"Teams are on standby for any flare-ups, but at this stage, the fire is under control," Armor told News24.
Counting losses
He said farmers had returned home to count their losses.
"They are exhausted. They are looking for their sheep and cattle who had in some cases wandered off across seven farms to escape the flames. These guys are counting their animals and trying to look after them as best as they can.
"In some cases we have to ensure that the animals don't suffer – many will have to be euthanised. There are veterinarians and representatives of the NSPCA who are trying to save those animals that can still pull through," Armor said.
"The farmers are putting up fences again and have started to rebuild what they can. There has been enormous support by the way of donations and animal feed – we are very grateful. This has given our community much-needed hope."
According to Johan "Savage" Breytenbach, the Hertzogville Fire Complex Incident Management Team [IMT] is still active and coordinating with provincial and national disaster management and other departments.
"Volunteers that are en route will be given an assembly point and staging area to report to. National WoF [Working on Fire] resources have been made available and are en route to the area.
Under control
"Please understand that the fire is currently under control and coordinated efforts are underway to ensure that the fire do not (sic) spread any further. Official updates will be provided on social media and the press to keep people updated on developments. The incredible reaction from the public at large is appreciated and testifies about the heart of South Africans, the situation is being brought under control," Breytenbach said in a message sent to stakeholders.
Local farmer Gys Olivier told News24 there were some minor flare-ups in the area, but that these were being dealt with.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that the fires had been contained.
Earlier, Makhele told News24 JoJo tanks were damaged and 17 people appeared in the Hertzogville Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.
Eleven were arrested on Sunday and the others were taken into custody on Monday.
"They were all granted R1 000 bail each… Seven of them could not afford it and had to remain in custody pending their next court appearance on Thursday 5 November," added Makhele.
Did you know you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.