One killed, shacks destroyed in fire
We would like to appeal to the community members not to cook while under the influence of alcohol. They must not leave stoves, heaters, and candles unattended
One person died and at least 50 shacks were destroyed in a fire in the early hours of Saturday morning at the Denver informal settlement.
Mr Themba Khumalo (27) died in the fire. The residents are not sure exactly what caused the fire.
“Themba has been staying here for only five months. He is originally from Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. He was a very quiet young man who respected people,” said the deceased’s neighbour, Ms Bonangani Mkhwanazi, who has been staying at Denver informal settlement for 25 years.
Cleveland acting SAPS spokesperson Captain Johan Jordaan said the incident happened during the early hours of the morning.
“An undetermined number of shacks were burnt down. A case has been opened at Cleveland SAPS and investigations are underway” Captain Jordaan said.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Mr Synock Matobako said disaster management assisted residents with food and shelter.
“We received a call in the early hours of Saturday morning. By the time emergency services personnel arrived at the scene a number of shacks were ablaze. We have recorded 50 shacks which were burned down. Seventy adults and 20 children have been affected and in need of assistance.” said Mr Matobako.
Residents told the EXPRESS they are sleeping at their neighbours’ places.
“We are not being provided with any building materials but they have been giving us food,” said a Denver resident, Ms Matodzi Maumela.
Meanwhile ANC proportional representative (PR) city councillor Alison Roberts said she has been assisting those who have been affected by the fire.
“When there is a shack fire it leaves innocent people in a devastating situation including babies as young as six weeks old. Most are left with the clothes on their backs. I believe that one cannot stand back and allow them to suffer.
“I have tried to assist victims of shack fires for a number of years with the help of community members who very generously donate clothes and other items. I then ensure that these are taken to the affected communities,” said Clr Roberts.
“I am trying to build a reserve of donations so that help can be rolled out quicker and more effectively. Council’s Disaster Management and Social Development do their best to assist with food and such items but the need extends beyond this. If anyone has any clothes, shoes and household items such as pots, plates, cups that they no longer have use for, I will gladly collect. I can be contacted on 071 876 5029 or claireme44@gmail.com,” said Clr Roberts.
