By Montsho Matlala
Polokwane: Fast-food outlet Hungry Lion was gutted by fire on Monday at Excelsior Street in Polokwane, Limpopo, raising fears of possible job losses among employees who had only recently started working there after its grand opening less than a month ago.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze broke out around midday, sending thick black smoke and flames high into the sky.
The inferno caused panic in the city while also drawing crowds of onlookers to the corner of Excelsior and Paul Kruger streets at Polokwane CBD’s India Centre.
“Hungry Lion staged its grand opening just two weeks ago, and I had already submitted my CV. I fear it may have gone up in flames along with the food and equipment. It’s hard luck for those who just got jobs — I wonder if they even received their first salaries yet,” said a 22-year-old job seeker at the scene.
Polokwane Municipality spokesperson Thipa Selala said no injuries had been reported.
“Municipal firefighters are still battling the blaze. What we know is that Hungry Lion and the adjacent clothing store, Tip Top, have been extensively damaged. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Selala said.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the fire but said details of the damages were still being compiled at the time of going to print.
Amid the chaos, looters were reported to have taken goods from nearby shops while others recorded videos and snapped pictures to share on social media.
Some eyewitnesses claimed the fire may have been caused by an iron left plugged in by owners of a nearby shop who had gone for midday prayers. Affected shop owners could not be reached for comment.
