About 12 shops were ravaged by a fire in Tsolo, in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality said the fire broke out around 7am, but was contained.
Two fire tankers and a fire engine were dispatched as well as firefighters, who prevented its spread to nearby residential flats.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and will be determined through a formal investigation.
The Municipality urges residents to report fires immediately, so emergency teams can respond quickly and reduce damage.
Picture: Supplied