Three people have died during the early hours of Monday morning when a fire broke out in the Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi.
At least six structures caught fire and were destroyed, leaving 14 people displaced and three people dead.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, explained that the dead were burnt beyond recognition: “The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at around 3.05am on October 6, of informal structures alight in Kosovo Informal Settlement, in Philippi.“
"Several crews were on scene and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 4.30am.
“Our initial estimate is that six structures were destroyed, leaving 14 persons displaced. The bodies of three persons, gender and ages unknown, were discovered at around 4.20am with fatal burn wounds.
“The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that cops are probing the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.
He confirmed that Samora Machel police are investigating an inquest for further investigation.
Swartbooi said: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are now the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Service.
“Samora Machel police attended to a complaint earlier this morning. When they arrived in Kosovo informal settlement at about 7am they found the bodies of the three victims who sustained fatal burn wounds.
“The three aged 19 and 20, whilst the age of the third victim is yet to be determined, were all declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel."
"Samora Machel police registered an inquest for further investigation.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
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Cape Argus