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Six foreign nationals lost their lives after a fire tore through business premises in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, during the early hours of the morning.
According to reports, Tsomo SAPS officers on patrol heard a loud explosion near the Tsomo Police Station at approximately 03:40 a.m on the 28th of July. They immediately responded to investigate and followed a strong smell of smoke to a shop identified as MAA Cash and Carry on Tsomo Main Street.
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Tsomo SAPS provide further details
Police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana said, “Officers discovered huge flames emanating from the building and rushed to the back of the shop, where people were known to be residing.”
Gantana continued to say, “They (SAPS) attempted to gain entry, along with private security personnel and members of the local community who came to assist. Despite their combined rescue efforts, only one person managed to escape. Sadly, six other occupants succumbed to the fire.”
Firefighters were left to battle thick smoke and rainy weather before extinguishing the fire. The bodies of the six victims were later recovered from the scene after the fire had been extinguished.
SAPS confirmed that the deceased were identified by their employer as foreign nationals. Emergency Medical Services, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre also responded to the incident.
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No foul play currently suspected
Amid ongoing illegal immigration tensions in South Africa, one might assume the fire is related to xenophobic sentiments.
However, Nobuntu Gantana has emphasised that “All necessary role players were summoned to the scene, including Emergency Medical Services, SAPS members, Provincial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). At this stage, no foul play is suspected.”
Police have opened an inquest docket to establish the cause of the fire. Authorities said there is currently no indication of foul play, and investigations are continuing.
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