A fire gutted a ‘slum house’ that had been invaded by tenants in Thompson Road on The Bluff in Durban at around 04:45 this morning.

The fire left 29 people, including 22 adults and seven children, homeless.

A mother and her son were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. They were later discharged with medication. Two others were treated at the scene for minor burns.

Ward 66 Councillor Zoë Solomon says these types of houses have long been a point of dispute in the community.

“The owners are supposed to provide security for an unoccupied house but it’s never enforced,” says Solomon.

It is also alleged that the owners of these houses charge people per head to live in them, without utilities.

While the reason behind the blaze has not yet been identified, Solomon says she took two mothers and six children to the Isaiah 54 Children’s Home.

“The home immediately came to the aid of the displaced residents to ensure that they had bathing facilities, as well as food and clothing. All the individuals were given two changes of clothes and food parcels,” says Solomon.

She adds that The Bluff representative for public participation was also assisting with additional food parcels and that she has documented all the affected occupants.

Community members and local organisations are stepping in to provide immediate relief.

Solomon extends her thanks to the people who assisted, namely street captain for area, Melissa Welgemoed; Brighton Beach Victim Friendly; Medic Mike; paramedic Nic Holland from VRMS responders; RTL8 and Isaiah 54 Children’s Home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.