Body found in rubble after deadly Jika Joe informal settlement fire
The discovery comes as emergency teams continue to assess the damage caused by the fire, which swept through the informal settlement on Saturday night.
The body of a person believed to have been trapped in the devastating Jika Joe informal settlement fire in Pietermaritzburg was recovered from the rubble on Monday afternoon, while one of the four people injured in the blaze has also died.
The discovery comes as emergency teams continue to assess the damage caused by the fire, which swept through the informal settlement on Saturday night.
Msunduzi Municipality previously confirmed that four people were injured in the blaze and were taken to hospital for treatment, while one person had been reported missing.
Ward 33 councillor Suraya Reddy extended her condolences to the family of the deceased.
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“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” she said.
The municipality said the cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation.
“Msunduzi Fire and Rescue Services responded to the incident on Saturday evening to contain and extinguish the fire.
“The Municipality’s Disaster Management team conducted on-site assessments on Sunday and continues to assess the extent of the damage while coordinating the necessary relief interventions,” the municipality said.
Preliminary assessments indicate that about 427 households were affected by the fire, while 294 assessment forms have been completed for affected families.
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The municipality said assessment teams remain on site and are working with relevant stakeholders to provide relief and support to displaced residents.
Reddy praised the municipality’s Disaster Management team for its swift response to the disaster.
“Msunduzi Municipality’s Disaster Management has arranged the distribution of hot meals, which is currently under way. I really appreciate the efficiency of the Disaster Management team during this time at the Jika Joe camps,” she said.
She added that fires are a recurring challenge in the informal settlement.
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“We face fires at least five times a year, or sometimes more, and it is always managed promptly, with the correct processes and procedures being followed,” said Reddy.
