Fire breaks out at Tembisa Hospital

JOHANNESBURG: A fire has broken out at Tembisa Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on Saturday, 19 April 2025.

The cause of the fire is unknown yet, as investigations are still taking place.

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT TEMBISA HOSPITAL

According to The Citizen, Motalatale Modiba, the Department of Health’s Head of Communication, reported that the fire broke out just before 18:00.

Firefighters and emergency services were summoned to the hospital.

“We can confirm that a fire has broken out at Tembisa Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. Currently, firefighters and our Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services are on site attending to the situation,” said Modiba.

Patients were escorted to other parts of the hospital to keep them safe from the fire.

“The reports that we have now are that all patients who were at the Accident and Emergency Unit have been safely evacuated into a safer area within the hospital,” said Modiba.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.

DA CALLS FOR URGENT INTERVENTION IN TEMBISA AS CRIME RATE INCREASES

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng MEC for social development, Refiloe Nt’sekhe, has called for urgent intervention in Tembisa as crime levels continue to spiral, reported The Citizen.

Nt’sekhe mentioned that the party will write a message to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi demanding quick intervention in Rabasotho, Tembisa.

“A DA-led Gauteng government would ensure that police stations are adequately equipped to address crime effectively. We would also enhance cooperation among the police and prosecuting authorities to ensure that reported crimes are prosecuted,” she mentioned.

Rabasotho Police Station has recorded 72 murder cases so far in the first three quarters of the 2024-25 financial year.

Out of the 72 cases reported, only 31 cases went to court with no convictions.

Additionally, 812 gender-based violence (GBV) cases were also reported during the same period.

“Of these, 524 proceeded to court and only five received a conviction,” said Lesufi.

What do you think might have been the cause of the fire that broke out at Tembisa Hospital?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.