Sunday Tribune: Man killed, thousands left homeless

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Man killed, thousands left homeless

14 September 2008, 10:28
By Charmel Bowman

A 30-year-old man burnt to death and three people were reported missing when a raging fire swept across 600 shacks in the Foreman Road informal settlement, Sydenham, early on Saturday.

At least 2 000 people were left homeless after a candle left burning caused a shack to catch alight.

The fire spread, razing all their homes. Of the three believed to be missing, two are thought to be children under the age of nine.

“One shack caught alight because of an unattended candle and burnt down. The fire then spread to the surrounding shacks,” said police spokesperson Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu.

He confirmed the death of a man, but could not provide information on the missing people, saying investigations were continuing.

S’bu Zikode, president of the Abahlali baseMjondolo (a shack dwellers’ movement), said the missing children were thought to be a brother and sister. He said they had been left unattended in their shack, as their mother had gone out.

“Despite difficulty with access to the informal settlement, responding Commander Brendon Allen and his team managed to contain the fire,” said Owen Singh, division commander of the Metro Fire Department.

Singh added, “It was quite a fire. Eight lines of hoses from five fire engines, three water carriers and a water hydrant were used to control the blaze, which smouldered into daylight.”

Six tents were erected for temporary shelter and a clean-up was due for today (Sunday).

“A bulldozer will be at the informal settlement, clearing the site. We will supply the necessary materials so that rebuilding can take place, hopefully as soon as Monday,” said Yacoob Baig, Ward 25 councillor.

* This article was originally published on page 7 of The Sunday Tribune on September 14, 2008