Over 250 people left displaced in Khayelitsha fires

Athenkosi Mvane
05 February 2013

Last night two fires in Khayelitsha left over 250 people homeless.  The first fire destroyed five shacks and left 11 people displaced in Emsindweni Informal Settlement. 

The fire destroyed all personal belongings of the households.  It is suspected that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. 

The second fire occurred in Site B, UT Section, the fire destroyed 50 shacks leaving nearly 250 people displaced.  The circumstance surrounding the fire is not known. 

Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson Wilfred Solomon Johannes said the disaster management team was assisting the victims giving food, blankets, clothing and building material.

“The City of Cape Town can confirm that no one sustained any injuries or lost their lives during the fire” Solomons-Johannes said.