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The South African
29-06-2025
- The South African
Two dead, child injured in Ekurhuleni shack fire
A tragic shack fire in the early hours of Sunday morning has claimed two lives in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, including that of a two-year-old child. The victims were burned beyond recognition and declared dead at the scene after their remains were discovered in the charred debris. The fire broke out before dawn, catching the family off guard while they were asleep. An eight-year-old child managed to escape the shack fire with minor burn injuries and was rushed to Pholosong Hospital for medical attention. Ekurhuleni Emergency Services responded to the call and found the shack on fire. Community members had already started attempting to extinguish the fire using buckets of water. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire and initiated a search and recovery operation. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but early indications point to a heating device being the possible source. As temperatures continue to drop, officials have warned residents to be extra cautious when using heating and lighting appliances in informal settlements. 'Communities are reminded to use heating appliances with caution during this winter as many of these incidents can be avoided by making sure that all this heating and lighting devices are attended to when in use,' said Maswati Ndluli, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni's Emergency Management Services. Incidents like this are a recurring concern during winter in Gauteng, where illegal electricity connections and unsafe heating methods frequently result in deadly fires. Emergency services have urged residents never to leave heaters, candles, or open flames unattended and to install smoke detectors where possible, even in informal structures. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Cold weather brings unexpected snow and fire tragedies
Cold weather has gripped South Africa, with high-altitude regions experiencing snowfall and icy winds due to plunging temperatures engulfing the province. Three people in Johannesburg perished in the fires due to unsafe heating, turning the bitter weather into a deadly situation. Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, told SABC NEWS that the deaths were connected to paraffin stoves and open-flame braziers. In just two months, Johannesburg has seen over 300 winter fire emergencies, and officials warn that the number could increase. The Weather Service has issued alerts for regions affected by the cold front. According to meteorologist Edward Engelbrecht, a low-pressure system is drawing sub-Antarctic air inland, making the colder weather worse. While urban areas, including Johannesburg, experience extreme frost and wind chill, mountainous regions are likely to experience snowfall. Several fires have broken out in Gauteng because of the cold weather. Most occurred in informal settlements where people use unsafe methods to heat their homes. Materials that catch fire easily and are unable to provide safe energy put communities at risk of death. At the same time, the cold front makes travelling dangerous all over South Africa. Officials are urging the nation to avoid nonessential travel and to put fire and road safety first. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
