- A fire in Makhaza claimed two lives and left multiple shacks destroyed on Sunday.
- A 38-year-old woman has been charged with murder, suspected of starting the blaze following an argument.
- Community leaders are calling for assistance to help the displaced residents.
A 38-year-old female was arrested in connection with the fire incident that claimed two lives in Makhaza on Sunday 27 October.
The woman was scheduled to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court yesterday (30 October), following her arrest on Monday 28 October.
Seven shacks, including a spaza shop burnt down and more than 15 people were left homeless at LR Block.
The deceased were burnt beyond recognition and three other shacks were damaged during the incident.
Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said Makhaza police registered an inquest for investigation after a fire broke out at LR Block in Jaftha K Masemola Street, Khayelitsha on Sunday 27 October. He said the incident occurred at about 01:20.
READ | Jealous rage suspected in tragic shack fire in Makhaza
Twigg said the officers attended to the scene where two bodies were found among the debris burnt beyond recognition.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the circumstances are under investigation. We can confirm that a 38-year-old female was arrested,” said Twigg, adding that she faced a murder charge after the inquest docket had been changed to murder.
‘Horrible’
Ward 96 informal settlement chair Masixole Mtyhida described the incident as horrible. “According to the boyfriend involved, the incident was triggered by an argument he had with his girlfriend. He said she burnt the shack because of jealousy. Unfortunately, the flames spread to other shacks where it killed two people,” explained Mtyhida.
Mtyhida said the boyfriend alleged that his girlfriend initially tried to burn the shack from inside but he saw her and extinguished the flames.
After her failed attempt, she allegedly set the shack on fire from outside.
“The boyfriend said his girlfriend tried to burn the shack inside but he extinguished the flames and after that she left. He (boyfriend) said the fire started outside the door, but he was fortunate because he was able to escape unharmed,” he explained.
Mtyhida said they want to see the perpetrator behind bars.
One of the fire victims, Asanda Nana said she lost everything in the blaze. “I was sleeping. I heard people shouting outside and when I woke up to see outside the flames were so close. I ran for my life,” she said, adding that the suspect must be held acccountable for the deaths of the two people.
Ward 96 councillor Lucky Mbiza urged the local business people to assist the victims to rebuild their shacks.
“For now they are staying with their friends and relatives. I informed the City’s officials about the incident and vowed to come and assess the situation. But we are appealing to everyone to help where they can,” said Mbiza.
