Cape Town - One person was killed and hundreds left destitute in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, after a massive fire ripped through an informal settlement at the weekend.
A total of 105 structures were destroyed shortly before midnight on Saturday, leaving 500 people trying to collect what they could from the rubble on Monday morning to rebuild.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said various crews including those from Constantia, Roeland Street, Sea Point and Mitchells Plain responded to the fire following an emergency call for help.
“Upon arrival several structures were alight and crews managed to contain the blaze around 3am and eventually extinguished the fire by 7am. One body with fatal burn wounds was found amongst the debris, age and gender unknown,” said Carelse.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said local police attended a “crime scene”.
“Upon arrival at Imizamo Yethu, at around 23:56 they found shacks up in flames. Further inspection led to the recovery of the body of an unknown person among the debris. The victim was declared dead on the scene by the medical personnel and Hout Bay police opened an inquest case for further investigation,” said Swartbooi.
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) has since co-ordinated relief efforts.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has been informed to provide humanitarian assistance.
Various organisations including Gift of the Givers are also assisting affected residents.
Gift of the Givers were expected to provide hot meals, blankets and mattresses.
The Thula Thula foundation was assisting DRM with registration and humanitarian assistance.
Cape Times