Chatsworth shack fire kills two, displaces dozens
A ward committee member in Chatsworth, south of Durban, says a deadly fire at the Sukamuva informal settlement was allegedly sparked by a stove left unattended.
Sifiso Mayisa says the victims, Aphiwe Duka and Ziyanda Sukula, had returned from a bar on Friday and were cooking late that night when the blaze started.
He says residents heard screams and tried to help, but the fire had already engulfed the area.
The blaze also tore through more than 20 shacks. " We are pleading with the eThekwini Municipality to supply the displaced locals with building materials.
READ: Two killed, dozens displaced in Chatsworth shack fire
Dwellers are reluctant to relocate to community halls, claiming they receive not enough food and subsequently returning to their slums. The municipality should give them permission to let reconstruct their shacks in the meantime.
Displaced families have since been moved to a local creche for shelter.
In a separate incident, an investigation is under way after a 28-year-old man died in a house fire in Avoca Hills.
One other person was treated for burn injuries yesterday.
