One killed in fire, many left homeless in Pretoria informal settlement

Affected residents have started rebuilding their homes following the blaze in the informal settlement on Saturday.


What apparently started as an altercation between residents led to a horrific fire that ravaged 107 shacks in Salvokop in Pretoria, killing one person and leaving scores homeless.

Affected residents have started rebuilding their homes following the blaze in the informal settlement on Saturday.

According to them, the fire started after a fight broke out between residents, leading to the death of Jacob Mosopa.

Mantwa Makhothi said: “What I saw was terrifying. That fire was scary, it was too strong.” An inquest docket and a case of arson have been opened, Pretoria Central police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.

“We don’t know if the deceased was murdered yet.”

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