Police to probe ANC fire

A police investigation into an alleged arson attack at the ANC’s headquarters in Johannesburg was underway, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Brigadier Neville Malila said police were looking into the claims of arson following a fire at Luthuli House on Tuesday evening.

“There is an official criminal investigation into the incident at Luthuli House... It has just started,” Malila said.

The African National Congress said the blaze at the building damaged the reception area and destroyed a couch. Ruling party spokesman Jackson Mthembu said a broken bottle was found on the floor.

“Security personnel used fire extinguishers to put down ballooning flames that were almost reaching the ceiling of the reception area,” he said.