Kraaifontein police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the cause of a fire that broke out in Wallacedene on Tuesday and claimed the life of a little girl.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services, teams received emergency calls of informal structures alight in Maroela Road, Wallacedene, at approximately 10:15 on Tuesday morning.
Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says fire crews from Kraaifontein, Bellville, Brackenfell and Milnerton Fire Stations attended to the scene and immediately ensured that they minimise damage caused by the blaze.
According to police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana, officers responded to a complaint of a fire at around 11:30 in Sivela Street, Wallacedene.
Carelse says firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 12:20. The blaze reportedly destroyed approximately 20 Informal structures and left 60 to 80 people displaced.
Both police and fire and rescue services confirmed that the body of a six-year-old minor was discovered with fatal burn wounds. Manyana says the body of the little girl was burnt beyond recognition. The minor was certified deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
Carelse said the South African Police Service took control of the scene and will conduct further investigations to ascertain the cause of this fire.
Kraaifontein police say no one has been arrested in connection with the incident yet, but investigations into the matter continue.
“We appeal to anyone with information regarding this fire to please contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
