Fires rip through shacks

2003-06-29 16:33

Cape Town - A number of shacks were gutted by two fires at an informal settlement in Kommetjie outside Cape Town on Saturday and Sunday.

Western Cape police said about 30 shacks were destroyed during the fires at the Masipumelele informal settlement, while the provincial government estimated the number to be around 50.

Local government MEC Cobus Dowry said he visited the area on Sunday and was told that a bystander collapsed and died of natural causes, while at least one person was injured, during the second blaze.

The fires left about 250 people homeless, said Dowry, who is also responsible for disaster management in the province.

Police spokesperson Inspector Jeremy Ali said the bystander's death was not caused by the blaze.

He said the first fire broke out around 5pm on Saturday and razed 14 shacks. No one was injured and the cause of the fire was not immediately known.

A 04:30 on Sunday, more than 15 shacks were destroyed after a man made a fire inside his home to warm himself. It burnt out of control and spread to neighbouring homes.

Ali said the man was taken to the False Bay hospital with minor burn wounds.

Dowry said those left homeless were being housed at a community hall and were being assisted by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

"I want to express condolences on behalf of the provincial government to the family deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery," he said.

- SAPA