South Africa: Two Burnt Bodies Recovered In Shack Fire

Two burnt bodies were recovered on Sunday, June 4, 2023, following a destructive shack fire in Joburg’s Zandspruit informal settlement, South Africa.

Nana Radebe-Kgiba, the spokesperson for the City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), said the EMS received a call just before midnight about shacks on fire at Zandspruit Informal Settlement.

"It is estimated that plus ten shacks were gutted by flames, and the firefighters' crew discovered two bodies that were burnt beyond recognition while conducting search and rescue," Nana confirmed.

“Fire Safety is conducting preliminary investigations to determine the cause and where the fire started", Nana Radebe-Kgiba stated further. 

She revealed that the city's Disaster Management is currently on the scene assisting the affected families.

"Winter has arrived and it is during this time that residents lose their lives as a result of fire incidents." 

"The Emergency Management Services urges residents to use caution when using heating appliances and to avoid leaving candles unattended," she added.