The Kempton Park SPCA is appealing to the public for donations to help cover veterinary expenses and ongoing rescue efforts following a devastating fire at the EP Malan informal settlement in Pomona.

The fire, which broke out on October 24, claimed the lives of four men and left hundreds of residents homeless.

According to Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), the victims died in separate shacks as flames tore through the settlement, leaving residents scrambling to salvage what they could from their burning homes.

As emergency services responded to the tragedy, Kempton Park SPCA senior inspector Duàn Coetzee and members of the Inspectorate team visited the affected area to assist the community and establish whether any animals had been caught in the fire.

Coetzee said residents indicated that while few households kept dogs, several owned cats.

“Sadly, while searching through the remains of burnt structures, our inspectors discovered the remains of cats that had been unable to escape the flames,” he said.

However, amid the devastation, inspectors also managed to rescue cats trapped beneath the rubble.

“We also rescued cats found beneath the rubble. These animals have been taken to a veterinarian for examination for possible smoke inhalation, burns and other injuries, and treatment where necessary.”

Coetzee confirmed that the rescued cats are receiving veterinary attention, while efforts to locate other surviving animals are continuing.

Another Inspectorate team will return to the settlement to search between burnt homes, beneath collapsed structures and among the rubble for injured, trapped or frightened cats.

He explained that frightened or injured cats often seek refuge in small, concealed spaces, making thorough searches essential.

The SPCA hopes to give every surviving animal the best possible chance of being found and receiving the care it needs.

Also read: Four dead, hundreds displaced after fire ravages Pomona informal settlement

Beyond the animal rescue efforts, Coetzee expressed his sympathy for the families who lost loved ones, their homes and their possessions.

“One cannot begin to imagine what it must feel like to lose everything you own in the blink of an eye. Your home, your belongings, your memories and, for some, even the people and animals you love,” he said.

“Behind every burnt home is a family whose life has been turned upside down. Behind every animal lost is a life that mattered.”

SPCA appeals for community support

With veterinary expenses mounting and rescue operations continuing, the Kempton Park SPCA is calling on residents and businesses to support its efforts.

Donations will go towards veterinary examinations, treatment and care for the rescued cats, as well as the Inspectorate’s ongoing rescue operations.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will help the organisation provide much-needed care to animals affected by the tragedy.

Donations can be made using the following banking details:

• Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
• Account name: Kempton Park SPCA
• Account number: 62131466965
• Branch code: 250655
• Reference: INSPECTORATE

Coetzee reiterated the organisation’s commitment to helping animals affected by the disaster while acknowledging the immense loss suffered by residents.

The SPCA has encouraged the community to donate where possible and share the appeal to help reach more potential supporters.