Residents from in Kosovo Samora Machel are shocked after a man died in a shack fire on Monday night. Residents who spoke to Ezitshisayo said the deceased was seen drinking earlier in the evening before he retired to bed.
“I was woken up to people screaming that there was fire. It was just after I fell asleep, when I woke up I saw that the fire was coming from my neighbour’s shack. I panicked because I knew he was drinking,” said resident Bandiphe Kouta.
Residents said they didnt hear any screaming but they couldnt see their neighbour. “I knew that he could have been trapped,” said Kouta.
Edward Bosch, spokesperson for Fire Service confirmed the incident. “The City’s Fire and Rescue Service responded to a call just after 11:00 of informal structures alight at Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi on Monday, 8 May 2023. Upon verification, the caller reported that one person could be trapped in the burning structure.
“Five firefighting vehicles with 21 firefighters from Mitchells Plain, Gugulethu and Ottery fire stations responded to the incident. Upon arrival, the brigade found numerous wood and iron structures alight. Despite swift action in extinguishing the fire, one person unfortunately suffered fatal burn wounds. A total of nine informal structures were destroyed, leaving 25 persons displaced. The cause of the fire is unknown. The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service,” said Bosch.