Detectives in St Francis Bay are investigating the death of Endinako Nokele (16), after a fire in Kosovo informal settlement, Sea Vista, on July 14 burned down approximately 11 shacks.
Police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, said that at about 23:00 on July 14, police in St Francis Bay were contacted by the Kouga Fire Department and informed that shacks were burning in Kosovo informal settlement in Sea Vista.
“According to police reports, approximately 11 shacks burnt down,” said McCarthy.
He said that after the fire was extinguished, Nokele’s burnt body was discovered.
“The reason for the fire is unknown and detectives are investigating,” said McCarthy.
He further said that anyone with information about the incident can contact Detective Warrant-Officer Kato at 071 475 1831 or 08600 10111.
McCarthy said those who are willing to share information can also visit the nearest police station.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the Kouga Fire Department arrived on the scene at 21:52, after receiving the fire emergency call at 21:36.
He also confirmed that the cause of the fire is still unknown.
“There were no other injuries apart from the death of a teenager,” said Bornman.
Chairman of Sea Vista Property Owners Association, Nathaar Cupido, said that since the fire, which he estimated to be about five metres high, was close to his home, he rushed to the scene to assist.
He said the shacks built on a portion of the Sea Vista Sports Field were a “death trap” as they were built close together.
“These shacks are notorious for fire breakouts, because they are built right next to each other,” said Cupido.
He alleges that a contributing factor to the frequent fire outbreaks in the Sea Vista informal settlements is that carpets are placed between the shacks, and the use of illegal electricity connections, which poses a major safety hazard.
Cupido said the residents in the nearby houses were frantic as the fire was inches from their homes.
“More needs to be done to prevent shack fires, especially since homeowners are at risk of the fire spreading to their properties,” said Cupido.
Liezl Clause, a member of Disaster Volunteer Group St Francis, said that they responded to the fire in the informal settlement of Kosovo, where the fire department was already on the scene.
She expressed her condolences to the deceased’s family, and requested that people consider assisting the bereaved family financially.
“Assistance with donated household goods and furniture would help the victims,” said Clause.
“Monetary donations will be of great help to assist in purchasing materials for their homes again, but also to assist the family with funeral arrangements.”
For more information, contact the Disaster Volunteer Group St Francis at 083 285 7166 or 083 647 9778.
