More than 300 people have been displaced while one person died after a fire broke out at KwaMasinenge informal settlement, outside Port Shepstone in KwaZulu Natal. The cause of the fire that destroyed 111 shacks is still unknown.

THE VICTIM COULDN'T FIND THE KEY TO HIS SHACK

According to TimesLive the man who died, Mandisi Qokayi (32) could not find his keys to open his shack when the fire raged through the informal settlement. "The problem was the extent of the fire and the gas cylinder which blew up at his shack. Another challenge also came with my cousin failing to find the keys to open up his shack," his cousin Amanda Mzize told the publication. Community members also tried to save him but failed. He had lived in the area for more than sixteen years. The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi extended her heartfelt condolences to the Mzize family.

FIRE GUTS SHACKS

Provincial Cogta spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said preliminary reports indicate that the fire destroyed over 111 households. "The cause of the fire, which occurred during the morning hours as residents were preparing to leave for work, remains unclear. The fire has severely impacted over 300 people who were left homeless," Mngadi said. Furthermore, the department appeals to all community members in the province to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, such as ensuring heaters or stoves are turned off before sleeping, particularly during winter, to prevent hazardous incidents.

SOCIAL RELIEF FOR VICTIMS

Mngadi said government officials have taken charge of providing essential humanitarian aid to the fire victims including hot meals and much-needed relief supplies. "The provincial government has assembled a dedicated team to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and determine the full extent of the damage. Dedicated disaster response teams are working tirelessly at the scene to prevent the fire from spreading to undamaged homes while simultaneously assisting the affected individuals," Mngadi said. He also said priority is being given to those who have lost important documents, such as identification documents, birth certificates, and Sassa cards. Those who have been displaced have been evacuated and relocated to safe places.