Shack fire leaves residents destitute
Another fire left residents homeless at the Jumpers Informal Settlement, after a blaze destroyed nearly 25 shacks.
Mr Robert Mulaudzi, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS), said the cause of the fire in Jumpers was unknown, but it is suspected a paraffin stove caused the blaze.
Mr Mulaudzi thanked the provincial government and disaster management for the speedy response in providing the necessary materials.
The Tuchi foundation, an NGO, provided food parcels and blankets to the residents.
He urged residents to be careful and said sometimes residents enjoyed themselves a little too much during the festive season.
“Some people deliberately burn the shacks when they are intoxicated. If a tavern is closed, and they still want alcohol, they set the tavern alight. This occurs especially when the owner refuses to open up for the patron. We urge residents to refrain from this type behaviour,” he said.
