A devastating fire at Masinenge Informal Settlement, Port Shepstone, last Saturday night resulted in one death and numerous families losing their homes and possessions. This is the second fire at the settlement in two months.

Simon April of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality says the fire and emergency rescue team, working with Ugu fire and disaster, SAPS and private security agencies, responded to the fire at the informal settlement. “It is reported that more than 70 informal dwellings were gutted and sadly, one person dying.”

This fire follows another which took place less than a month ago, where more than 100 shacks were also destroyed. Selvan Chetty, the deputy chairperson of the SAPS Board for the Ugu District, called for good Samaritans to assist in the provision of emergency support.
This is in conjunction with the Port Shepstone Human Rights Centre.

Police are still investigating the cause of fire and other details around this incident.

Non-profit organisation Ignite Revolution is collecting items such as blankets, mattresses, clothes, canned food, perishable and non-perishable groceries, drinking water, bulk maize meal, rice, samp and beans.

If you can help contact Ignite Revolution on 078 651 4574.

Also read: [Video] One dead, thousands displaced after Durban informal settlement fire