Masiphumele Fire Destroys Over 250 Homes

Almost 1 500 residents of Masiphumele township in Cape Town are left homeless after a fire destroyed their homes early on Monday morning. 

By Ncuthukazi Webber

Spokesperson for City Fire and Rescue, Jermaine Carelse, said the initial response included 5 fire-fighting equipment, 1 vehicle and 21 staff members. The spokesperson also confirmed that 1 dead body had been found underneath the rubble while firefighters conducted a clean-up.

The Masiphumelele municipality as well as the Methodist Church in Myeza Road are currently open to provide shelter. The Disaster Risk Management Centre has enlisted SASSA to provide relief.

This fire takes place 4 years after another fire that left 4 000 residents of Masiphumelele homeless. The 2015 disaster saw residents call for a fire station in the community which is set to be open this year.