Mysterious Fire Renders 900 Homeless In South Africa

A mysterious fire has rendered at least 900 people homeless after burning their shacks in Johannesburg’s Pomona informal settlement in Kempton Park.

This was according to the Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Mzwandile Masina, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Tuesday.

Masina said investigations had begun to unravel the cause of the fire which caused extensive damage on Monday night.

“The cause of the fire is not yet established at this stage.

“Three to four hundred shacks were destroyed.

“No fatalities or injuries (are) reported at this stage.

“Our teams are investigating the cause of fire and we should receive preliminary report soon,” said Masina.

The mayor said 49 taxis had been provided to transfer people to community halls where “they are being accommodated and given the necessary assistance”.

Masina urged civil society and faith-based organisations to come to the victims’ aid.