Devastating fire leaves over 200 families homeless in Johannesburg CBD

By Lungile Ntimba 

Over 200 families have lost their homes in a devastating fire that spread through the Selby informal settlement in Johannesburg Central Business District on Monday.

Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, bringing the situation under control without any reported injuries.

He confirmed that the disaster management officials and Gift of the Givers have begun their work, coordinating relief efforts to provide shelter, food parcels, blankets and support to those affected by the crisis. 

“We’ve been also getting assistance from the Provincial Disaster Management centre (PDMC), they have been activated to assist the affected families together with the gift of the givers,” he said.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be established, Mulaudzi said the importance of exercising caution when handling electrical items and cooking devices.

“We are encouraging our residents, especially informal settlement residents to continue looking