WATCH: Three dead after fire rages through Pretoria informal settlement

Ward councillor Malcolm De Klerk said the entire settlement has burnt down, leaving around 1000 people displaced. Picture: Cllr Malcolm de Klerk

Ward councillor Malcolm De Klerk said the entire settlement has burnt down, leaving around 1000 people displaced. Picture: Cllr Malcolm de Klerk

Published Sep 24, 2023

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Three people, including a five-year-old girl, have been killed after a fire raged through an informal settlement in Pretoria on Saturday.

According to Tshwane Emergency Services, at least 1000 more are homeless.

Emergency services raced to the scene at the Cemetery View informal settlement just after 8pm.

TES deputy chief, Peter Motolla said around 400 homes were razed.

Motolla alleged that the fire may have been caused by paraffin however, police were in attendance and will investigate further.

Ward councillor, Malcolm De Klerk, said the entire settlement burnt down.

“The fire has been extinguished and the fire brigade will remain on scene to address any flare ups,” he said.

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In March last year, at least 400 homes were burnt in a fire at the same informal settlement.

Earlier this month, three people, including a 12-year-old girl, have died following a shack blaze at the Joe Slovo Park in Langa.

According to spokesperson at Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Jermaine Carelse, emergency services were alerted to reports of informal structures burning.

"Three persons, two males and a female sustained fatal burn wounds during this incident. The cause of the fire is unknown," he said.

City of Cape Town disaster risk management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said 20 structures were destroyed by the blaze. At least 73 people were left without their homes or personal belongings.

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