#ClayOven: Informal settlement set alight on purpose, says source
PAULSHOF – The fire which burnt down 20 shacks was caused by a resident at the informal settlement.
About 40 people were left destitute after a fire broke out at Clay Oven informal settlement and according to an inside source, the fire was started on purpose.
The source who wished to stay anonymous for safety reasons, the fire broke out at about 2am on Sunday morning, 29 April. “Residents saw someone busy burning a shack as he tried to set it alight. The fire then spread further to other shacks and people were trying to put out the fire.”
The alleged arsonist started throwing stones at the people who were trying to put out the fire. “This man is known to be a killer as he killed a woman before and allegedly practises cannibalism. He is known to be a dangerous man around here,” the source said.
“We are left confused as to why this man set the shack on fire. We struggled to put out the fire and we ended up getting help from Alexandra Fire Station who came here at 6am when we successfully put out the fire which left the shacks burnt down to the ground.”
Future City Fourways’ (FCF) Advocate Jean Berdou said, “About 20 shacks were destroyed during the fire which resulted in a number of residents losing their belongings. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.”
Berdou encouraged community members to help wherever they can. “One small act of kindness would be for community members of the greater Fourways to help with the donation of blankets, canned food and bottles of drinking bottle.”
Also read: Fire destroys shacks in Clay Oven informal settlement
Reverent Phezile Koekoe of Gracepoint Church which is situated next to the informal settlement said, “It was a devastating situation to witness as 40 people lost their homes during the fire. As a church, we responded immediately to the scene on Sunday morning to help put out the fire.”
They then later that Sunday afternoon, collected 40 food parcels, 40 blankets and clothes for the 40 people who were left destitute.
“We appeal to the community for any form of donation for the residents living at the informal settlement as all donations are welcome and can be dropped off here at the church.”
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/281423/fire-destroys-shacks-clay-oven-informal-settlement/
