Five people, including three children, have died in separate fire-related incidents as investigations into the causes of the fires continue.

A fire in Khayelitsha on Monday morning claimed the lives of two adults and a two-year-old child.

Spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, Michael Abrahams, says the service was alerted to a structure fire in Ntlazane Road, Kuyasa.

“Crews from Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni responded. One wood and iron structure extinguished with one fog jet. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will investigate.”

 

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says an inquest has been opened.

“The bodies of a 34-year-old male, 29-year-old female and a two year old child, were found among debris following the fire which broke out in the early hours of Monday morning, in Gushindoda informal settlement, Kuyasa. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.”

 

Twigg also confirmed that a separate fire in Fisantekraal on Saturday claimed the lives of two children, aged four and 11.

“Durbanville police registered an inquest for investigation following a fire which broke out in Kameeldrift Street, Greenville, Fisantekraal, in the early hours of Saturday morning, 1 August 2026. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.”

 

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has confirmed that more than 11 people have been displaced after their homes were destroyed in a fire in Imizamo Yethu on Monday morning. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The latest incident comes just days after a fire tore through the area last Wednesday, leaving more than 400 people displaced. No injuries were reported in either fire.

Also read: Scores of residents left homeless after devastating Imizamo Yethu fire

Ward Councillor Rob Quintas says assistance is being provided to those affected.

“Our City’s Disaster Risk Management will assess services which need restoration or repair and activate relevant departments. They will also register affected households for the SASSA fire relief grant as well as for other assistance via our partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs).”