A Malawian man and his South African partner were burnt to death in the Jika Joe informal settlement in KZN on Saturday night. Their neighbour, another Malawian citizen, was also killed in the fire.

At this stage, it is not clear how the fire, which razed 23 shacks, started but locals said it started in one of the two shacks where the deceased lived.

Jika Joe resident Amanda Phungula (30) from Bulwer, who is unemployed, said she is left with only the clothes she was wearing.

“There was no time to save anything because the fire was strong. I’m using the burnt corrugated iron to rebuild to have a place to sleep.

“I can’t rely on what the municipality can or cannot do to help us. I’ll see when that happens, but for now, I’m investing my energy in rebuilding my shack. We are destitute, but it doesn’t seem like the authorities are willing to get us out of this misery. I’m a voting citizen, so I would wish to see the government getting us out of these shacks,” said Phungula.

She said she has been staying at the informal settlement for the past three years.

Another resident, Sbonginkosi Mahlalela, said he arrived in the area at around midnight when the fire was already in progress.

Mahlalela said fires were common in the area, which at one stage was condemned for habitation, but government’s warning went unheeded and people rebuilt there.

“About three years ago a huge fire broke out but claimed no casualties. People lost their belongings, but as the message warned them not to rebuild, they ignored the call and rebuilt in the same area.

“Screams and shouts woke the people up, but unfortunately three people died in the fire. We can only wait for the police to conclude their investigation for us to know the cause of the fire.”

Ward 33 councillor Suraya Reddy said she is working towards finding a temporary shelter for the victims of the fire.

“At the moment I’m waiting for the municipality to give clarity on what should be done for these people. The disaster management unit was here and registered the names of all the affected.

“It is not clear what the next step will be now that the names of the affected are recorded. This is an informal settlement crisis. People were warned not to build in this area, but the housing issue pushes people to disregard the law,” said Reddy.

Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said: “The municipality can confirm that 23 structures were totally destroyed; 41 people were affected. Three fatalities have been reported and no injuries.

“The relief currently being provided includes food supplies, blankets, sponges, clothes, trauma counselling and application for official documentation.

“Disaster management officials are currently working on the [beneficiary] list which will then be submitted to district and provincial disaster units. The departments of Social Development, Home Affairs and the South African Social Security Agency will be engaged to assist the affected people.”

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police have opened an inquest docket for investigation after three people were burnt beyond recognition in the fire.

Netshiunda said investigations are underway to establish the deceased persons’ identities.