Man dies in shack fire in eMbalenhle informal settlement

A man from eMbalenhle died in a fire that engulfed his shack in the Marikana informal settlement during the early hours of 30 August.
Jabu Mtsweni was reportedly asleep when the blaze broke out.

According to his girlfriend, Thoko Mabasa, Mtsweni had spent time with friends earlier before going to bed. He had given them matches, as the area has no electricity.

“I was not at home with my seven children because we had gone to visit a friend nearby. About 30 minutes later, I heard people shouting that our shack was on fire. When I rushed back, the fire was already out of control. With the help of neighbours and community members, we tried to extinguish it until firefighters arrived.

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“After the fire was extinguished, we discovered that Jabu was still inside. We found him burnt beyond recognition in his bed. I am deeply hurt because we lost a life and everything we owned. My children lost all their clothes, including school uniforms,” said Mabasa.

Mabasa said four of her seven children were still attending school and appealed for assistance, as the fire destroyed all their belongings.
Constable Busi Mthethwa, spokesperson for eMbalenhle police, said an inquest docket had been opened.

“Police were summoned to the scene, where a man’s body was discovered inside the shack, which had already been destroyed by fire. The body was burnt beyond recognition. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing,” said Mthethwa.