Masi outrage over ‘deliberate fire’ claim

Cape Town 160212 A fire at Masiphumelele destroyed about 200 shacks. Photo by Michael Walker

Cape Town 160212 A fire at Masiphumelele destroyed about 200 shacks. Photo by Michael Walker

Published Feb 14, 2016

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Sandiso Phaliso

MAYORAL member for Human Settlements Benedicta van Minnen’s claim the Masiphumelele fire in November was deliberate was met with fury by Masiphumelele leaders, calling on her to provide evidence.

Van Minnen issued a statement on Saturday, stating that the November fire was not accidental. The statement came

a day after a fire destroyed 150 shacks and left more than 600 people homeless.

She said: “Strong, if anecdotal, evidence at this stage suggests the November fire was possibly not accidental.”

Community leaders in Masiphumelele said such claims by Minnen should be backed by evidence.

Friday’s fire was almost 12 weeks since 1 100 structures were destroyed by a fire which left more than 4 500 people homeless.

Since then, approximately 200 people have been accommodated in the area’s community hall.

Van Minnen called on Masiphumelele residents to come forward with information about Friday’s fire.

Masiphumelele community leader Tshepo Moletsane said Van Minnen should engage the community regarding her claim that the November fire was started deliberately.

“If she has tangible evidence she must bring it so that it can be scrutinised. We, as the community leaders, are still waiting to hear what happened exactly, what was the cause of that fire and we don’t have answers,” said Moletsane.

He said if that fire was started deliberately then the culprits had to face the law. Van Minnen stood her ground that the fire in November was not accidental.

She said aerial photographs showed that the fire started in the Wetlands and spread to the houses.

She said she was willing to share this information with the community leaders.

About Friday’s fire, Van Minnen said humanitarian assistance was offered to the affected residents, which included the offer of accommodation in the community hall. She said this was while the site of the fire was being assessed, prepared, debris cleared and the registration of victims undertaken.

“We understand that the housing need is acute and we will do everything in our power to assist our vulnerable residents,” said Van Minnen.

Moletsane said land to build houses on Masiphumelele was available.

“The land where the informal settlement is situated is also suitable for housing development. All the City needs is to assess the land,” he said.

Phumza Manini, a victim of Friday’s fire, said she lost all her belongings in the fire and was currently living with friends.

“Until brick houses are built here we will always experience shack fires,” said Manini.

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@PhalisoSandiso

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