The Kutu family from the Wag ‘n Bietjie informal settlement in Strand is appealing for any kind of assistance after two family members died and one was injured in a shack fire on Tuesday 25 August. Its cause was still unknown.
No-amen Kutu, mother and grandmother of the deceased, survived with burn wounds. She said the flames started around 23:00 and the shack was filled with smoke by the time she woke up.
“I woke up and ran to the door. I opened the door, but struggled to open the burglar bars. It took some time. I ended up with burns on my hands and back. I managed to escape and started screaming for help.” She said there was nothing to do then but hear her daughter and six-month-old granddaughter’s screams coming from inside… until they finally stopped.
Kutu said she lost everything, with only the tights and tshirt she had come out in.
Family appeals for help after informal settlement fire
“I am appealing for help from anyone. I have lost everything, including my identity document. People can contribute whatever they can, including clothes. I don’t know when we will bury my daughter and grandchild, but the family will convene soon.”
ALSO READ: Tragic shack fire claims lives of three young residents in Strand
Community responds to Wag ‘n Bietjie blaze
Community leader Busisiswe Gebenga described the incident as “terrible” and praised community members for their support in extinguishing the flames. She also appealed to local businesspeople to intervene and assist shack-fire victims wherever they can.
Fire crews extinguish blaze by early Wednesday
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said the fire had started around 23:45. The service received reports of structures alight in the Wag ‘n Bietjie informal settlement off Richmond Street, Nomzamo.
“Crews from Strand, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Somerset West were on the scene,” said Carelse. “By 01:20 on Wednesday 26 August the fire was extinguished. An estimated six structures were destroyed, leaving approximately 12 people displaced.”
