RECENTLY a devastating shack fire in the Chris Hani informal settlement, located next to Ngene Street in New Brighton, claimed the lives of an adult woman, and five children.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) New Brighton was alerted to the fire at approximately 04:00.
Upon arrival, they found a completely destroyed shack. The fire department managed to extinguish the remaining flames, only to discover the burned victims.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Formal identification of the six deceased will need to be conducted by forensic analysis (DNA), and no names can be released at this stage,” said Captain Andre Beetge of the SAPS.
It is believed the victims are a 68-year-old grandmother and her five grandchildren, aged between four and 11.
An inquest docket has been opened and is being investigated by SAPS New Brighton.
This tragic incident comes just a month after a fire had caused the death of an entire family in Missionvale.
Police opened an inquest following the death of five people in a fire that gutted a family home.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, SAPS Algoa Park responded to a complaint of a house burning on Jack Street.
In light of these recent tragedies, the municipality issued a statement urging residents, especially those living in informal settlements, to exercise caution.
“The municipality would like to advise residents, more especially those who live in informal settlements, that they must not leave any fires unattended.
“This includes cooking stoves, candles, braai fires, and any flammable items that might ignite and spread fires,” read the statement.
“Residents are also advised not to build their shacks too close to each other, as this leads to a quick spread of the fire.”
