Following the devastating house fire that claimed the lives of five children in the early hours of Saturday morning in Shaka’s Head, DA ward councillors Privi Makhan and Jack Abrahams have launched an urgent appeal for community support.

Residents are being asked to donate food, groceries, clothing and shoes for the surviving family members, who lost all their belongings in the blaze and escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.

Clothing sizes needed are men’s size 30 (shoe size six) and women’s size 30/32 (shoe size three).

Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Cllr Makhan directly on 073 664 1830. Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at Salt Rock Library on Monday between 8am and 4pm.

Human Settlements spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the fire broke out at about 5am and, on arrival, emergency teams found the structure engulfed in flames.

The children’s mother, Ntombovuyo Menemene, managed to escape, rescuing a two-year-old child in the process. Both were taken to hospital for further care. The father, Sivuyile Noyila, sustained minor injuries.

It was too late to save the other five children including two one-year-old twins and siblings aged three, 14 and 19.

Saps provincial spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda said police in Umhlali have opened inquest dockets to investigate the deaths.