OLIEVENHOUTBOSCH – Tragedy struck the community of Olievenhoutbosch in the early hours of Friday morning when a shack fire claimed the lives of five family members in the Stop 12 informal settlement.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after midnight as flames engulfed a structure believed to have housed the victims. By the time firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, it was too late — all five occupants had died.According to preliminary reports, the victims were members of the same family.
The names and ages have not yet been officially released as authorities are still in the process of informing the next of kin.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, early indications suggest it may have started from an open flame or faulty electrical wiring, both common risks in informal settlements.Residents of Olievenhoutbosch have been left devastated by the loss, with community leaders calling for urgent intervention to address ongoing safety concerns in the area.
“This is not the first time we’ve lost lives in shack fires,” said one resident. “We live in fear every night because we know how easily one spark can destroy everything. We need real change — proper housing, electricity, and fire safety education.”
Gauteng authorities have pledged to conduct a full investigation and to provide support to the grieving family, including counselling services and funeral arrangements.
As winter continues, communities in informal settlements across the province remain at heightened risk due to the increased use of heaters, candles, and other heat sources.
Residents are urged to be cautious and report any unsafe electrical setups or fire hazards to local officials.