An elderly male pensioner died in a burning shack in Tshongweni section, Katlehong, on September 28.
William Ntladi, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson, said City of Ekurhuleni Fire and Rescue team from Hlahatsi fire station received the call at 8.30am and responded to the scene.
“A pensioner was alone in one of the backyard shacks at the time of the fire. Members of the public were alerted by a cloud of carbon smoke and tried to break in to save the old man from the fire.
“Unfortunately, this could not be achieved,” said the spokesperson.
“Members of the public were found battling the blaze using the water bucket brigade system before firefighters took over when they arrived.”
Ntladi said the fire was extinguished and the search and recovery of the body was conducted.
“The charred body of the old man was found under the rubble. The SAPS and relevant stakeholders were called to the scene.
“The scene was handed over to SAPS officers who took over and proceeded with the investigations and removal of the body remains to an appropriate pathology facility in Germiston. The cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigation,” said Ntladi.
