Scores of families lost their loved ones in the incident, which was caused by the leakage of poisonous gas from cylinders – believed to be used by zama zamas for illegal gold processing in Angelo informal settlement.

At least 17 people, eight men, six women and three children including a one-year-old, lost their lives following the gas leak in the area on Wednesday, June 5.

Mahlasedi Foundation, an NPO based in Irene, Pretoria, descended on the informal settlement on Thursday to support the affected families.

They came with a medical team consisting of doctors and nurses that is assisting at the hospital. They also provided material support including food and emotional support including trauma counselling for the families.

“It’s tragic and sad to see the devastation that was caused by this unfortunate situation. To see people, including children and women, dying like this breaks our hearts.

“We have been to the hospital and met with the survivors. The children who are there with tears rolling down their faces is tough to watch,” said Jan Pretorius.

Both the metro and provincial governments promised to give the necessary support to the affected families.

The affected families are still battling to come to terms with the tragedy.

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