Nongoloza fire claims 3 lives
Preliminary reports suggest that a candle may have been the cause of the fire.
The Cibane and Dlamini families are mourning the loss of loved ones after a structural fire in the Nongoloza Ward 5 area, Dumisa in the early hours of last Saturday.
Sawoti Saps members responded to the scene and discovered that a tin house had completely burned down, and three bodies were recovered from the ruins.
They included brothers Sanele Cibane (37) and Lungelo Cibane (30) and Zamokuhle Dlamini (33).
As per the KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) team and Saps, preliminary reports suggest that a candle may have been the cause of the fire, and an inquest has been opened for investigation.
On Sunday, KZN MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, visited the families in Umdoni.
He was accompanied by senior officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and conveyed condolences on behalf of the provincial government and oversaw immediate support to families traumatised by the fire.
He directed the PDMC to provide assistance without delay.
Later that day, he visited a family from KwaDukuza’s Shakas Head who suffered similarly on the same night of the Umdoni fire, and lost five family members.
“The pain these families are enduring is immeasurable,” said Buthelezi.
“As the provincial government, we will not only comfort – we will act. We are providing burial support and logistical assistance now, while strengthening preventative measures. Our message to communities is that government cares and will be present – from the immediate response to the long term solutions that keep families safe.”
Residents are also urged to exercise caution with candles and other open flames, especially at night and during power outages, and to report hazards to local authorities without delay.
Umdoni Municipality’s mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli extended sympathies to the families as well.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of grief. The municipality remains committed to supporting the affected families and ensuring that necessary assistance is provided,” she said.
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