CAPE TOWN - One person died and 120 others were left destitute following a fire in the New Village informal settlement in Strand, near Cape Town, on Monday.
Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said Lwandle police have opened an inquest after the discovery of a dead body in the debris of the blaze.
“Lwandle police have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of the body of a 34-year-old foreign national man who died in a fire (Monday) morning at about 4:15am at New Village informal settlement, opposite Onverwacht Road, Lwandle.
“The body was discovered after firefighters extinguished the fire. At this stage, police suspect no foul play. The cause of the fire, as well as the amount value of the property damaged, is unknown,” said Van Wyk.
City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said crews from Strand, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Macassar, Gugulethu, and Mitchells Plain responded with eight fire fighting appliances and approximately 30 firefighters.
“The City’s Fire and Rescue Service received an emergency call at 4:13am of informal structures alight in New Village Informal Settlement off Onverwacht Road, in Strand, on Monday. At 5:30am the body of an adult male was located among the debris. The victim sustained fatal burn wounds. Approximately 30 structures were destroyed and 120 persons were displaced. The fire was extinguished at 7:23am and the cause is unknown,” said Carelse.
New Village community leader Xolani Diniso appealed for members of the the public to donate clothes and food to the affected residents.
“We humbly ask for donations to help our brothers and sisters to start afresh with anything that might assist them, mostly school uniforms, clothes, and food.
“We also have an 11-years-old disabled child whose wheelchair is in ashes and beyond repair. We would appreciate it if we all put our hands together and assist our brothers and sisters in this time of need,” said Diniso.
To assist the community or make a donation, contact Xolani Diniso on 0840550615
Cape Times