SUNDAY was another tragic day for shack dwellers in KZN.
About 70 residents of Canelands squatter camp near Verulam, north of Durban, were left homeless.
About 50 shacks burnt down.
One of the stranded victims, Nthabeleng Mohlakoane (20), told Daily Sun the fire started in one shack and rapidly spread.
“Some people say the fire was caused by an explosion due to an illegal electrical connection.
“Everything happened very fast.
“Within minutes we lost all our belongings,” she said.
Nthabeleng said her family of six owned a five-roomed shack.
“It burnt down completely – we couldn’t save anything,” she said.
“However, we are grateful that no one was injured.”
Prem Balram from Reaction Unit South Africa said when firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene, they found many shacks on fire.
“Dwellers were evacuated from their homes as the fire spread rapidly throughout the settlement. The fire was eventually put out,” he said.
Ward Councillor Geoffrey Pullan said he visited the area to assess the damage and talk to the victims.
“I am still trying to get help for them. Before getting temporary shelter, they need food and blankets.
“I informed the eThekwini Municipality’s disaster management about the incident but it looks like something held them up,” he said.
Police spokeswoman Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed the incident and said no case had been opened.
Municipal spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa said the disaster management team responded to the incident to conduct an assessment.
“Temporary relief like blankets, food and mattresses are being handed to the victims,” she said.
The Canelands shack fire follows a similar incident at Bellair Road in Cato Manor on Saturday.