Community members rebuild after 50 shacks are destroyed in Denver blaze
At least 50 shacks were destroyed on Thursday, November 6, following a fire in the Mangolongolo Informal Settlement in Denver.
“About 50 shacks were destroyed when one of the shacks caught fire at about 9am on Thursday. Three people were treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital. The owner of the shack that caught fire was assaulted by residents because they blamed him for the fire,” said Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson, Mr Robert Mulaudzi.
One of the residents, Mr Shadrack Makamu, said the fire started at about 9am, after a candle was left unattended in one of the shacks.
“We appeal to the government and anyone else who can, to assist with building material so that we can rebuild our shacks,” said Mr Makamu.
When the EXPRESS visited the area, some of the residents were already trying to rebuild their shacks with the material they had managed to save from the blaze.
Ms Petronella Sithole, a member of the community committee, said they would appreciate any help to be able to start rebuilding.
“Today we will sleep at the community hall and some will get shelter from relatives. We desperately need the government to help with providing houses for us but for now, we need help to rebuild our shacks. We also lost many other items in the fire,” she said.
Mr Mulaudzi urged the community to not leave candles or paraffin stoves unattended.
“People must stop using beer bottles as candle holders. We have seen a trend whereby people deliberately create fires when they are angry or having fights,” he said.
