A Cape Flats teen has died in a shack fire in Phumlani Village which has left more than 40 people homeless over the weekend.
The family of Akhona Ngubo, 15, were devastated when her charred body was removed from her friend’s hokkie early on
Saturday morning.
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Theo Layne, says firefighters responded to a call for help at 5.26am where they found 10 dwellings destroyed.
CLEAN-UP: Mense are dakloos. Photo: Supplied
“One female sustained fatal burns and no other injuries were reported. More than 40 persons were left homeless,” he say.
“The cause of the fire has not been established as yet. [The] incident was handed over to police for further investigation.”
Akhona’s older sister, Siviwe Susu, whose shack also burnt, says the teen was with her friends at the time of the blaze.
She says the Grade 8
learner at Zeekoevlei High School was allegedly drinking, but she is unsure of how she got trapped inside one of the shacks.
“She lives with me and my children and our parents are in the Eastern Cape,” says Siviwe.
“I was at home when the fire started at about 4am and I rushed to get my children out.
“Akhona was drinking at her friend’s house. I have no idea when or where the fire started, but we just ran to get out.
“Afterwards they told me she was stuck inside a shack. We really don’t know how she got trapped. Her whole body was burnt. It was very bad.”
Siviwe and her children are staying with a neighbour, while the sisters’ parents travelled to Cape Town on Monday.