Vanderbijlpark – Around 12:00 in the afternoon, occupants heard screaming voices of people cautioning that the building is on fire.

While many tried to save their belongs, some were left in disarray as they watched dozens of units burn to the ground.

Residents gathered in their number to watch in disbelief and helplessly as smoke bellowed in the sky and flames engulfing peoples belongs.

Local Fire and Rescue teams were called to the scene and helped put out the fires.

The raging fire felt the fire engines short of water and more backup had to be called.

Moments after several other fire trucks joined to fight the blazing flames, the hardworking men and women in fire tunics managed to put out the raging flames.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Jabulani Xaba (26) told the paper what happened as he sat in his apartment.

“There were women smoking in the next room from where we were sitting. We heard these women fight and the other one threatened to burn her rivals flat. Moments later, we sniffed smoke from the ceiling, little did we know then the fire had started,” he said.

Sitting with his furniture and other belongings roughly placed, Jabulani said “these are my only stuff that I could save. I don’t know where I will be sleeping today because my only home is torched”.

Emfuleni Local Municipality Spokesman Makhosonke Sangweni said their fire department was still on site investigating.

“Our officials are at the scene investigating the course of the fire. Those are places that are at loggerheads with the municipality for not paying rates and taxes. The building is not complying with anything, and the buildings are mainly occupied by illegal dwellers,” he said.

Police are not investigating any case as no one, including the landlord file a complaint.