Richard Nkosi

Umjindi Municipality is appealing to the community to extend a helping hand to about 10 residents whose rented shack burnt down at Graveville in Emjindini on June 26. Samuel Jele, Umjindi spokesman, said they’d welcome any form of donations raging from warm blankets, clothes to food.

The cause of the fire, which left the tenants with only the clothes they were wearing,  is still unknown.

According to James Bhiya, owner, the fire started around 19:00. He said that the tenants reportedly ran out of electricity. “They went to the electricity vending machine to purchase some. When they returned they saw flames emerging from the shacks. They tried to salvage some of their belongings and extinguish the fire but the flames were overwhelming,” he said.

Bhiya further said that no one was using paraffin stoves or any electrical appliances at that specific time. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The Umjindi Fire Brigade was called to the scene but by the time they arrived the shacks were completely destroyed.

The damage is estimated around R100 000. The fire also damaged two neighboring houses. Three windows cracked in one while another’s roof caught fire but the fire was extinguished before it caused more damage.

Speaking at the scene, where he led a delegation that included Cllr Taylor Nsimbini and members from the department of human settlement, Jele said for time being the fire victims will be temporarily accommodated at the Cathyville community hall.

“The council will have an urgent meeting to find them alternative accommodation. We’ll screen them in our system to find if they were on the waiting list, and if they were, stands will be allocated to them where a proper structure could be built,” he said.  

Anyone who would like to donate something can contact Jele on 082 442-1404.