130 people displaced in fire

A case of arson was opened with the Cleveland SAPS following a shack fire at the Denver Informal Settlement on Saturday last week.

The Cleveland SAPS communications officer, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said the police received a call about burning shacks just before 5pm on Saturday.

Emergency services attended to the scene.

Const Mashakane said there were reports about firefighters being assaulted at the scene, but no case was opened with the police.

The Johannesburg Emergency Services Management spokesperson, Ms Nana Radebe, said more than 60 shacks were destroyed by the fire and more than 130 people were displaced.

She added that an officer sustained minor injuries when a scuffle broke out between her and a male resident.

“Residents wanted our officers to start by saving their shacks first, not to work as per their assessment. This affect the process of extinguishing the fire,” she said.

Ms Radebe urged the community not to interrupt firefighters when they are doing their job.

Denver Informal Settlement resident, Mr Welcome Mchunu, echoed Miss Radebe’s sentiments by urging residents to refrain from attacking emergency services staff.

“We heard that some firefighters were attacked by residents but we do not have the full details as yet. We do not know why they may have done that because the emergency services were quick in responding. Unfortunately, the fire was large and there was a wind,” said Mr Mchunu.

“Residents must stop harassing people who bring them help. We should accept any help we get. As you can see, since the fire occurred, we received help from many departments, private individuals and organisations. We cannot chase them away or harass them. Where will we get help from?” he asked.

He said that as community leaders, they will hold meetings with the community to address the issue.