A dark cloud hangs over the Strand community after three pre-teens were burnt beyond recognition in a shack fire on Saturday, 1 August.

The fire occurred at the Pholile informal settlement leaving more than 10 people homeless.

ALSO READ: Over 100 left homeless after shack fire in Town Two

Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso said the fire started after 23:00. He said the deceased were from different shacks.

Strand shack fire leaves community in mourning

“As a community, we are mourning the deaths of young children who died in the shack fire. Their ages are 10, 11 and 12. They were from different families. We don’t know what started the flames,” he said, adding that it is the first time that multiple people from different shacks have died in a fire.

Donations needed after Pholile informal settlement fire

Diniso said they are asking for any kind of donations to assist the affected families. He said the victims also lost all their belongings in the flames.

“The families of the deceased are going to have family meetings soon to discuss funeral arrangements. But for now, they are waiting for the postmortem results. However, we are asking for donations for those left with nothing. It can be clothes, blankets, food, etc,” Diniso appealed, but emphasised that he is not sure when exactly the families will convene their meetings. He said those who would like to donate can go to his office.

City Fire and Rescue responds to Strand fire

However, City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Michael Abrahams said only one shack was affected.

Abrahams said the City’s Fire & Rescue Service received a call at 23:50 of a structure alight in the Pholile Informal Settlement in Nomzamo, Strand.

“Crews from Strand and Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Stations responded and extinguished the fire. Three male minors sustained fatal burns. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” he said.