Ward 16 councillor Casper Rammutle has called for the urgent relocation of residents living in temporary shacks in Snake Park after a physically disabled man tragically died in a shanty fire.
WARD 16 councillor Casper Rammutle has called for the urgent relocation of residents living in temporary shacks in Snake Park after a physically disabled man tragically died in a shanty fire on September 12.
The councillor explained that the victim had a disability, with one leg longer than the other. “Residents alerted me at around 7am after noticing smoke and flames. I immediately contacted the fire brigade, which arrived within about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, it was too late,” Rammutle said.
“It is believed that the fire could have been started by an unattended cigarette after the man fell asleep. He was apparently overcome by the smoke and was unable to escape.”
Rammutle emphasised that residents were originally set to be relocated to an area along the R31. “The community is crying to be relocated. I have pleaded with the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, as well as Sol Plaatje Municipality, to speed up the process.”
SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam confirmed that the Kagisho police have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of the body of a 43-year-old man who burnt to death in a shack fire in Snake Park, Phutanang, on September 12.
“The police are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic incident,” said Sam.
