1 dead as fire tears through Tshwane informal settlement

One person died and a woman miscarried after a fire destroyed hundreds of shacks in Cemetery View informal settlement, next to Woodlands Mall, east of Pretoria, earlier today.

Tshwane Emergency Services confirmed that one person was burnt beyond recognition and about 2 600 people from 814 informal houses were affected.

In addition, a woman suffered a miscarriage and was transported to Mamelodi Hospital with third-degree burns, says Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements Ofentse Madzebatela.

Ward councillor Malcolm de Klerk says the fire started at about 04:23.

While the cause is unknown, there have been reports of gas bottles exploding.

According to Tshwane Metro, emergency services and representatives from the departments of  Human Settlements, Community and Social Development and Home Affairs were on the scene.

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni says assessments of the damage are underway.

“Emergency services contained the fire and are working to extinguish any remaining hotspots,” says De Klerk.

He adds that the informal settlement has suffered significant damage and most, if not all, of the structures have been destroyed.

“Home Affairs and land invasion units will be contacted to secure the land and prevent any further illegal occupation.”

There are plans to fence off the area along De Villebois and Waterlake Drive, says De Klerk.

“We understand that this incident has caused significant disruption and hardship for those affected. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”