BY: JUBILANT CHEYEZA BALOYI
Dozens of people have lost everything in a fire that was allegedly intentionally started by a community member. Thirty-three families from the Ramaphosa informal settlement in Ekurhuleni were left homeless and desperate need after a fire destroyed eight homes on Saturday.
According to Lindiwe Dlomo, an affected resident, the fire started at 20:00. She said a neighbour, allegedly under the influence of substance, started a fire using a paraffin stove. “The fire started out of nowhere, and when we asked our neighbour, he said, something told him that there’s fire. He came out of his shack naked and ran towards us. Residents immediately sprang into action, trying to extinguish the flames, but the fire quickly spiralled out of control
“It was only after the Ekurhuleni fire-fighters arrived that the blaze was brought under control. Sadly, we have lost everything, including out identity documents, school uniforms, school books and phones. We are devastated, hungry and desperately in need of assistance,” Dlomo added.
Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi confirmed several shacks were destroyed. “We finished at the scene at 22:40, with backup from Germiston Central. There were 15 fire-fighters on the site and no casualties were recorded.”
According to Ward Councillor Tsotang Motloung said the situation is dire and they are doing everything to provide aid. “We have reached out of the community, churches and NPOs for donations. So far, we have received food, shelter and clothing for the affected families. The families have been temporarily housed in local church while efforts are underway to rebuild their homes,” said Motloung.
Seen the situation at Ramaphosa informal settlement, the Thusang Community Development NPO has stepped up, donating clothes and school uniforms to the affected families. Community leaders are co-ordinating relief’s efforts and accepting donations of food, clothing and other essential items to support their families in their time of need.
