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Come forward with Masiphumelele fire info – City

Cape Town  The City of Cape Town has asked anyone with information regarding the most recent fire at the Masiphumelele informal settlement near Fish Hoek to come forward.

"It must also be noted that the Masiphumelele informal settlement is completely electrified. Yet, every year, a large fire occurs here," mayoral committee member for human settlements, Benedicta van Minnen, said in a statement.

"We have been acting to remove illegally erected structures in the wetland area of Masiphumelele," she added.

A fire broke out in the area on Friday, the second fire of scale in less than three months, she said.

The City's Fire and Rescue Service said the fire left approximately 600 people displaced.

Van Minnen said humanitarian assistance would be offered to residents affected by the fire, which included the offer of accommodation in the Masiphumelele Community Hall.

Possibly not accidental

This was while the site was being assessed, debris was cleared, and those affected by the fire being registered for possible further assistance.

In November, two people were found dead and thousands more lost their homes in a devastating fire that raced through the informal settlement.

"Strong, if anecdotal, evidence at this stage suggests that the November fire was possibly not accidental," said Van Minnen.

She said the informal settlement could not grow as it would become more dense and therefore more prone to fires.

"Attempted invasions will also have an effect on the City’s Masiphumelele Phase 4 housing development to the severe detriment of the legitimate beneficiaries of this development," Van Minnen said.

"We understand that the housing need is acute and we will do everything in our power to assist our vulnerable residents.".

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