72 people homeless after fire destroys 22 shacks in Madelakufa

More than 70 people have been left homeless after their shacks were destroyed in a fire in Madelakufa Two.

The blaze broke out at about 11.30pm on Saturday, leaving 48-year-old Norman Mzimba seriously injured.

Several people were admitted to Tembisa Hospital for treatment, including Mzimba.

Affected residents told The Tembisan the fire was allegedly caused by a man in the informal settlement who constantly fought with his girlfriend, intentionally burning down their shack.

It is believed the couple had a heated argument that night. The man told one of his neighbours to quickly remove her valuables from her shack as he was going to burn down his shack.

“The neighbour did not take him seriously and continued to sleep. Some of us were sleeping when smoke filled our shacks and woke us up. Others were awakened by a big noise. We tried to stop the fire with buckets of water, but it seemed as if we were pouring petrol on the fire as it didn’t die down,” said the affected residents.

Hendry Lubisi (52), who stays with his three nephews, said firefighters from Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg helped to put out the fire, but they did not arrive promptly.

“The fire was strong and nobody could save their belongings as we were all focusing on putting out the fire. We lost so much and it pains our hearts to struggle to rebuild our homes or get any help to erect new shacks,” said Lubisi.

Lubisi added he and his nephews were relying on their neighbours for accommodation.

“We do not have any clothes besides what we are wearing. Our identity books and other important documents needed on a daily basis had burnt,” he said.

Another affected resident, Zola Vilakazi, said they needed local government or any good Samaritan to help them erect new homes.

“We appreciate the people who bring us food but we need homes. We can’t continue living like this, moving around, pleading for accommodation. We feel punished by another person’s evil deeds,” added Vilakazi.

Wiseman Mkhabela (31), the son of the girlfriend involved in the lovers’ spat, said he came home from working night shift only to find no home.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes. Neighbours explained to me what happened. I believe everything they said because I know they were always arguing. They are never at peace,” added Mkhabela.

Mkhabela said he was shocked as he lost his work certificates, uniform and furniture, just to name a few things.

“I was raised in Madelakufa and I do not have another home,” added Mkhabela.

EFF members in Tembisa attended to the scene.Sub-region convener Sipho Nkabinde said they assisted the victims by cleaning the area and organising food.

“We tried to contact the ward councillor but to no avail. These residents need immediate help with shelter so they can restart to their normal lives,” added Nkabinde.

DA Gauteng spokesperson for basic services and infrastructure, MPL Refiloe N’tsekhe, DA East regional chairperson Selby Thekiso and other members paid a visit to the affected families on Tuesday.

N’tsekhe promised the victims she would follow up with the Department of Human Settlements, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development and clinics to ensure they get assistance.

“We call on the City of Ekurhuleni’s disaster management to be quick with building material so the displaced families can rebuild their shacks,” said N’tsekhe. The DA also distributed food parcels to the victims.

Tembisa SAPS spokesperson Const Patricia Mgijima said no case had been opened.