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The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Shack fire in Olievenhoutbosch kills family of 5, including 3 children
A devastating shack fire ripped through a home in Olievenhoutbosch Extension 25, Centurion, early yesterday morning, killing a family of five as flames engulfed their dwelling before firefighters could save them. According to Pretoria Rekord, this includes three children aged nine to 16 and a senior citizen. City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni confirms the incident. 'The incident was reported to our Emergency Communication Centre at about 05:04, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Heuweloord Fire Station and Centurion Fire Station to the scene. These included two fire engines and a water tanker.' He says that when firefighters arrived, they found the fire had already destroyed the four-roomed shack dwelling. 'Sadly, five family members, including a senior citizen, one adult and three minors, were fatally burned by the devastating fire. The firefighters continued to extinguish the fire as it was still smouldering.' Mnguni says various role-players, including their fire safety section, disaster risk management section, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, SAPS, Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services, Gauteng crime prevention wardens and community leaders, were also on scene and worked together to assist with incident management. 'Tshwane Emergency Services Department urges communities to remain vigilant and be cautious during winter to prevent and eliminate incidents of this nature that can have a disastrous effect on families and the community.' To report any fire or rescue incident, members of the public are encouraged to call 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400. He adds that when reporting an emergency, members of the public should remain calm, speak clearly, know where they are to give the correct address, and provide their correct contact number to allow the operator to call back if needed. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Family of five, including three children, killed in Olievenhoutbosch shack fire
Family of five, including three children, killed in Olievenhoutbosch shack fire A devastating shack fire ripped through a home in Olievenhoutbosch Extension 25, early on Friday morning, killing a family of five — including three young children and a senior citizen — as flames engulfed their dwelling before firefighters could save them. This includes three children aged 9 to 16 and a senior citizen. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said the incident happened on Friday morning. 'The incident was reported to our Emergency Communication Centre at about 05:04, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Heuweloord Fire Station and Centurion Fire Station to the scene. 'These included two fire engines and a water tanker.' He said on arrival, the firefighters found out that the fire had already destroyed the four-roomed shack dwelling. 'Sadly, five family members, including a senior citizen, one adult and three minors, were fatally burned by the devastating fire. The firefighters continued to extinguish the fire as it was still smouldering completely.' Mnguni said various roleplayers, including their Fire Safety Section, Disaster Risk Management Section, the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, South African Police Services, Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens and community leaders, were also on scene and worked together as they assisted with incident management. 'Tshwane Emergency Services Department urges communities to remain vigilant and be cautious during winter to prevent and eliminate incidents of this nature that can have a disastrous effect on families and the community.' To report any fire or rescue incident, members of the public are encouraged to call 107 toll-free or to call 012 358 6300/6400. He added that when reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they need to do so. Also read: Life-threatening warnings for snow, rain and gale-force winds issued Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Emergency services warn households to be vigilant after Nellmapius shack fire
Emergency services warn households to be vigilant after Nellmapius shack fire Tshwane Emergency Services has warned households to be vigilant this winter. This comes after the service responded to a shack fire in Morongwa Street, Nellmapius Ext 2 on Monday morning. The fire was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre at 08:44, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Silverton and Mamelodi fire stations to the scene. They brought a fire engine, water tanker, rapid intervention unit and bush pumper. Tshwane Emergency spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said upon arrival, firefighters found that an RDP house and two shacks were on fire. Mnguni said the firefighters immediately began with firefighting operations and extinguished the fire. 'The two shacks were badly damaged while only the contents of the RDP house were affected by the fire,' said Mguni. One young patient was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, and oxygen therapy was administered. 'Our disaster management officers were on the scene and assisted with the co-ordination of relief efforts for the affected family members,' Mnguni said. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Tshwane Emergency Services urges residents to follow these precautionary measures: – If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings, like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies. – Burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave it burning in the house when sleeping. – Never use fuels not designed for your heating unit. – Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out. – Never leave children unattended near a burning candle or fire. – Make sure all candles are placed in safe candleholders. – Never connect electricity illegally. – Never overload electrical plugs. – Never leave an imbawula or coal fire to burn overnight without supervision. – Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher. Report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400. When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require to do so. ALSO READ: Former Tshwane metro director arrested in connection with R11m fraud Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Brace for heavy rain, hail and snow
Heavy rain, hail, snow and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa today, and move slowly eastwards, likely to exit the country by Saturday. 'Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50mm in the eastern regions today and tomorrow. 'Severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock [are expected], especially over the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,' SAWS said in a statement. SA News reports that snowfall is also expected over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KZN and the Eastern Cape during this period. In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from today, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards. Extended weather forecast for Thursday and Friday, 24-25 April 2025: Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts, but widespread in places in the east. Snow is possible over the mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape#SAWS — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 22, 2025 Heavy rain and hail expected in Pretoria Pretoria Rekord reports that residents have been urged to stay indoors as severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and possible flooding are expected. Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni says a yellow level 2 warning has been issued by SAWS for today for severe thunderstorms over most parts of Gauteng, including Tshwane. They are expected to persist from about 11:00 until about midnight. 'The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor the weather reports and remain on high alert throughout the city for any related emergencies to protect life and property. Residents are strongly urged and encouraged to stay informed and monitor short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the SAWS and other credible sources, and to immediately follow the recommended safety tips.' Mnguni says SAWS encourages the public to load and use the WeatherSmart App to monitor and track storms. According to VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis: 'Widespread and heavy rain are possible along the east coast, KZN, Lesotho, parts of the Free State, Gauteng, North West, the highveld and surrounding regions. 'Models are showing the likelihood of around 100mm of rain throughout this week along the coast and adjacent interior of KZN, the Wild Coast and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape, as well as parts of the Free State.' ❄️SNOW & RAIN FORECAST | 22–25 April 🌧️ A CUT-OFF LOW & HIGH-PRESSURE system will bring COLD & WET weather this week! ⚠️Up to 100mm rain likely in parts of KZN, EC & Free State ❄️5cm+ SNOW expected in Lesotho, especially around Tiffindell & Afri Ski#voxweather #snowinsa — Vox Weather (@VoxWeatherZa) April 22, 2025 Disaster teams on high alert in KZN The Witness reports that the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed disaster management teams on high alert across KZN following a level 4 warning for disruptive rain. The affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Indaka, Inkosi Langalibalele, Estcourt, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Emthonjeni, eThekwini, Impendle, Maphumulo, Mpofana, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtshezi, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, uMsinga, uMvoti, uPhongolo and uThukela. SAWS says persistent rainfall is expected, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements and potential damage to infrastructure over parts of KZN today. Residents can expect widespread showers and thundershowers over KZN, along with heavy downpours that may result in a low likelihood of significant impacts in the above areas. Buthelezi urges residents to exercise caution during this period. 'Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water is above your ankles. In rural areas, please move livestock to safer, higher ground,' said Buthelezi. He said that disaster management teams across the province are on high alert and will be closely monitoring the weather conditions. Specialised teams are ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. The following precautions and impacts were combined from information supplied by Mnguni and Buthelezi. What you should do Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, like barbed wire fences and powerlines, as these can be struck by lightning Avoid outdoor activities like fishing or playing golf in the rain, as rods and clubs can attract lightning Move away from and out of bodies of water if you are caught outdoors during lightning Do not shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during a thunderstorm Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges or swollen streams If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and move to higher ground In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level Potential impacts of severe weather Flooding of settlements, roads and bridges Damage to low-lying infrastructure and mud-based houses Difficult driving conditions Major disruption of traffic flow due to closed or flooded roads Heavy downpours causing localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains and vulnerable roads Large amounts of small hail over open areas Damaging winds and excessive lightning, which may cause fires in homes or other structures Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery conditions Localised service disruptions caused by power failures or infrastructure damage Damage to roofs and structures in both formal and informal settlements Danger to life from fast-flowing streams and rivers Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to any safety instructions issued by authorities. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
