By Buziwe Nocuze
A fire in the Europe informal settlement in Gugulethu, Cape Town, possibly started by drug users, has left many residents without homes.
Busisiwe Thungatha, 64, nearly died in the fire.
“I was fast asleep, and I don’t know how I managed to open my eyes while sleeping,” she said.
“I saw the fire outside, but it was as if I was dreaming. When I smelled smoke, I realised it was real.”
Thungatha said she woke her family members, and they ran outside without taking any of their belongings.
“The flames became so strong that we couldn’t take anything from inside; the most important thing was saving our lives.
“As you can see, we have lost everything. We are not working, and we don’t know how we will get back on our feet. We need all the help we can get,” Thungatha said.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, blamed drug users.
“Drug addicts started the fire in their shack, and then they ran, leaving us in this mess. We regret not chasing them away because they almost killed us,” he said.
“We were ready to go and celebrate Heritage Day with other people, but we couldn’t do that because we lost everything. Anyone who has the means to assist with anything is welcome to do so by contacting our ward councillor.”
Ward 40 councillor Bongani Ngcombolo has asked the provincial human settlements department for help.
“I have visited the victims and they have lost everything,” he said. “I have contacted the relevant department, but I would also ask anyone who might help with clothes and food to assist the victims.”
Pictured above: Residents of the Europe informal settlement in Gugulethu, Cape Town, lost their homes in a fire allegedly caused by drug addicts.
Source: Buziwe Nocuze.
