A devastating scene unfolded early Wednesday morning, 5 August when a house in one of the side roads off Albertina Sisulu Road burned down, claiming the life of one of its occupants.

According to Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, the West Rand District Vispol commander who was on scene, a man in his 80s lived in the house. Earlier today, the tenant who lives in the back of the property saw the fire and contacted emergency services.

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Unfortunately, it was already too late and the elderly man passed away.

Selepe said that the cause of the fire was not known at that stage but that police did not suspect foul play. An investigation is under way.

The tenant alleged that the house has had no water or electricity for the past eight months.

Krugersdorp firefighters were on scene to extinguish the fire.

Gerhardt Nieuwoudt, the Regional Commander of Mogale City’s Emergency Services, gave some tips for residents to follow during the drier winter months.

He said people should not leave their heaters or electric blankets on overnight or when they are not there, and make sure they are switched off properly when not in use.

“A lot of people also use the plates on their gas stove for heat,” said Nieuwoudt who warned that residents should make sure these plates are also switched off when not in use.

He emphasised the importance of having a fire extinguisher in one’s home, and that overloaded plugs can cause a house fire.

“Some of these older houses have an older electricity system, so we urge homeowners to make sure their Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is up to date.”