16 families left destitute after fire destroys their shacks in Elandsfontein

A dog died as a result of injuries suffered during a shack fire that engulfed 16 shacks at the eMabhondeni informal settlement, Elandsfontein.

Two dogs were hurt. The one sustained head burns and the other one died.

A typical day became nearly unreal as a few residents came back from their jobs to find nothing but dust and arches of what was their home.

Two vehicles were set on fire in addition to the 16 shacks. This is according to Ivy Monama, a resident of the eMabhondeni informal settlement.

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“A third vehicle was removed to Thembisa after being spared from damage caused by the fire. Legal documents and one of my two refrigerators were also lost,” said Monama.

“We are doing our best to rebuild but we are finding it challenging because of the recent rain.

The neighbourhood came together and donated to purchase building supplies. We swiftly constructed a few one-room shacks for the impacted families. I have three children, so I had a two-room shack built for me,” said Monama.

Monama said that although the exact cause of the fire is unknown, she believes the closest structure may have been damaged by an unintended fire, leading to the entire tragedy.

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When GCN visited the impacted area, Nhlanhla Mazibuko of Thembisa was clearing debris for his cousin so that there would be room to build a new shack.

According to Mazibuko, the shack where his cousin resided before the fire was owned by his late father.

“When the incident occurred, my cousin was at work. Like most of the residents, he lost everything in the fire.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt in this incident. We appreciate the quick action of the community. Without it, additional shacks might have burned down,” said Mazibuko.

Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro used social media to ask his ward’s constituents to help the impacted residents.

He was able to give food packages, blankets and a few other donated items including clothing, and used furniture in answer to his request.

He said to have received a call alerting him to the fact that several shacks were on fire.

“I made calls to the fire department. They all arrived, and when I got there, a dog was in terrible shape. We took it to the Germiston SPCA where they had to cremate it.

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“There were additional safety concerns regarding eMabhondeni’s illegal power connections. During the fire, people had to quickly disconnect illegal connections. Electricity and fire don’t mix well.

“The city responded well to the call and delivered few necessities as a relief to the affected families,” said Guerreiro.

Guerreiro thanked those who came forward in response to his need for help and cautioned the people of eMabhondeni not to leave fire sources unattended because of the significant risks involved.