Two people were burnt beyond recognition when shacks caught fire in Zandspruit Informal settlement just before midnight on Saturday. The fire has left 10 families, including young children homeless.

FIRE STARTED AFTER LOAD SHEDDING 

A resident, Takalani Nethonzhe told ZiMoja that they had load shedding until midnight on that night. "Soon after power was restored, we heard people screaming asking for help. When I went outside to investigate what could have been the issue I saw two shacks on fire, the fire spread to others within minutes," he said. With no water to distinguish the fire, Nethonzhe said they watched in agony as families lost their livelihood. "It's unfortunate people lost their lives but it could have been worse," he added.

FAMILIES DISPLACED

It is alleged that the fire started in one shack and spread to others. City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba says they received a call just before midnight about shacks on fire at the informal settlement. "It is estimated that plus ten shacks were gutted by flames and the firefighters' crew discovered two bodies burnt beyond recognition while conducting search and rescue," Radebe-Kgiba said. She added that the Fire Safety is conducting preliminary investigations to determine the cause and where the fire started. "The winter season has arrived and it is during this time that residents lose their lives due to fire incidents. Emergency Management Services urges communities to take necessary precautions when using heating appliances and avoid leaving candles unattended," she added.