GEORGE NEWS - George detectives arrested a woman (28) and three men, aged 35, 35 and 47, in connection with arson at the George Tourism office in York Street.
Closed-circuit television footage obtained from the Fat Fish restaurant helped the police to link the accused to the incident.
"They were arrested respectively on Sunday 30 June and Monday 1 July and appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 2 July," said provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie.
This heritage site from the early 1900s sustained extensive smoke damage caused by a fire at the back of the building early Sunday morning, 30 June.
Officials of the George Tourism office were alerted by ADT security company and employees of the Premier Express Inn across the road in York Street.
The fire brigade responded at 06:23 Sunday morning and was able to control the fire.
Telephone lines
George Library's internet and phone services rely on a server housed at the tourism office, which has been affected by the fire. Consequently, all telephone lines at George Library are down, as well as the public internet and Wi-Fi.
To renew books, please use the following WhatsApp number: 066 289 2863.
MUST - The building was built in 1905, on the site of the town's tennis courts and first jail. It was designed by Oudtshoorn architect Charles Bullock with Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque elements.
Heritage
"The building control division, which falls under the Directorate of Human Settlements, Planning and Development, will inspect the building due to its heritage status," said Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, George Municipality senior communications officer.
The building was built in 1905, on the site of the town's tennis courts and first jail. It was designed by Oudtshoorn architect Charles Bullock with Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque elements.
The building was first used as a public library, named after King Edward VII (the successor of Queen Victoria who died in 1901).
Since 1992 the building has been housing the tourism bureau.
Closed indefinitely
The George Tourism office will be closed indefinitely, with officials accommodated in the main municipal building until further notice. Contact George Tourism during office hours on 081 412 9995.
The airconditioning system resembles a scene from a Salvador Dali painting. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Tape bars the back entrance to the George Tourism office in York Street.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
