“We do not have a place to call home now. We grabbed whatever we could and ran,” said Ms Felistas Mncube, a resident at the settlement.
Residents suspect the fire was caused by children who were spotted playing with matches earlier in the day.
Ms Mncube, who has stayed at the informal for the last six years, said she was devastated.
The Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had their hands full at the scene.
“About 100 shacks were burnt to the ground and we treated two people at the scene for smoke inhalation,” said Mr Robert Mulaudzi, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg EMS.
Another resident said she was worried about what she will tell her children when they get back from school. “What do you tell them, now they are homeless and have nothing to eat as we only took our clothes and ran,” said Ms Dudu Kubheka.
Anyone who can assist, can drop off items with Ms Gaynor Paynter, who is on the committee for public safety in ward 118. She can be contacted on 083 442 4689 or e-mail gaynorpay@gmail.com
Clr Alison van der Molen, ward 118, can be contacted on 083 441 9325.
