Many left homeless after Mongolongolo fire
"An undetermined number of shacks were burnt down."
Numerous shacks were destroyed in a fire on Friday morning at the Mangolongolo informal settlement in Denver.
One resident alleged a woman, who had problems with her husband, started the fire.
“She came back from work and poured paraffin all over her husband’s clothes and started the fire which destroyed everything,” said Mangolongolo resident, Mr Ernest Magotch, who has been staying at Mangolongolo for more than seven years.
Cleveland SAPS spokesperson Constable Mpho Mashakane said the incident happened during the early hours of the morning.
“An undetermined number of shacks were burnt down,” Const Mashakane said.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Ms Nana Radebe said they have assisted residents with food and shelter.
“We have recorded 350 people affected and in need of assistance. This includes more than 80 children,” said Ms Radebe.
They are providing blankets and some food, but some of the residents said they have not received any help in terms of shelter. Residents told the EXPRESS they are sleeping at their neighbours’ places.
“Residents are not being provided with any building materials to rebuild their shacks and are still living in poor living conditions. Many have lost all hope,” said another resident, only identified as Xolelwa.
