Thokozile Mnguni
A fast-moving blaze has caused widespread destruction at the Plastic View Informal Settlement in Moreleta Park in Tshwane. Residents were woken in the early hours of the morning as flames tore through the area.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to a major multiple-shack fire at the settlement.
About 150 shacks have been damaged as the fire spread quickly through the densely populated community.
Firefighting teams from Central, Silverton, Erasmuskloof, Centurion, and Mamelodi stations were deployed to contain the blaze and stop further spread.
At this stage, the fire is under control. Search and recovery teams have since recovered the body of a resident.
Disaster Risk Management officials are assessing the extent of the damage and assisting affected families.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation.
City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said plans to relocate South African residents from the settlement are ongoing.
“A site was identified in Pretorius Park,” she said.
“The relocation process has been complicated by the presence of a large number of foreign nationals in the area.”
Moya added that the City is working with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.
“We are working to finalise relocation and to address issues linked to undocumented migration,” she said.
The fire is one of several incidents recorded in the area over the years.
In November 2023, a blaze destroyed 45 shacks, affecting about 250 residents who were left without belongings.
In July 2021, 89 shacks were destroyed, leaving 26 people injured and claiming three lives.
In July 2020, a major fire swept through the settlement, leaving hundreds displaced and homeless.