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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Khayelitsha fire leaves hundreds homeless

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A fire destroyed more than 100 structures in Khayelitsha last night, and resulted in the death of one person.

 

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 21:00 of structures alight in Town 2.

 

A total of 12 firefighting resources with more than 50 firefighters battled to contain the spread of the blaze. The fire was extinguished by 2:45.

 

 

Initial estimates are that more than 100 structures were destroyed, and the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is busy with assessments.

 

The body of an adult was discovered in the debris around 01:00.

 

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service.

 

Meanwhile, a Joint Operations Centre has been established on site, to coordinate the City’s response to the fire.

 

DRMC officials, assisted by the City’s Human Settlements Directorate, are conducting an assessment to determine the exact number of persons affected.

 

The City has also alerted SASSA to the fire, as the agency responsible for providing humanitarian relief efforts.

 

NGO partners will assist with meals, blankets, toiletries, baby packs, and any other essential needs.

 

The Gift of the Givers are also on site, and helped some residents to evacuate last night.

 

ALSO READ: President Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in Lohatla fire

Merentia Van Der Vent
Merentia Van Der Vent
Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.

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