2 people die in Diep River informal settlement fire

A man and woman died as a result of a fire which tore through “The Gatjie” informal settlement in Diep River on Saturday morning.

Shortly before 07h30, around forty firefighters from Constantia, Wynberg, Lakeside, Ottery, Mitchell’s Plain, and Roeland Street fire departments responded to the emergency.

After dousing the flames, rescue teams recovered the bodies of an adult male and female.

A total of 15 structures were destroyed and 64 persons displaced.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management was on scene to consider relief efforts and assist families with immediate requirements. Requests for assistance has already been communicated to the Provincial Government’s Human Settlements department.

JP Smith – Mayco Member for Safety and Security:

With the winter cold now settling in, many persons turn to open flame fires for warmth. With an increase of residential and informal settlement fires increasing at a rate of around 10% each year, we implore all residents to exercise extreme caution this winter.

Never leave an open flame fire unattended and always ensure any fires are made away from surrounding materials that could easily ignite.

-EWN

In other news – Connie Ferguson’s R5 million car leaves Mzansi speechless – WATCH

Mzansi actress and producer Constance Connie Ferguson is one of the country’s most decorated stars. She was born on June 10, 1970. She is popular for playing Karabo Moroka in South Africa’s most popular soapie Generations between 1994 and 2010.

She returned to the show in 2014 when they were rebranding to Generations: The Legacy. Connie Ferguson (the Masilo) married fellow actor Neo Matsunyane in 1993. Whom she shares a daughter. They divorced in 1998, after five years of marriage. Learn More