Over 20 Strandfontein residents were left homeless when a fire ripped through the Mascindani Informal Settlement in Witsands Road on Sunday.
Zaibonesha Samsodien says she was forced to flee with her three-year-old son as the fire engulfed her shack.
“I was just about to sleep when I heard the people screaming that the place was on fire,” she says.
“I had to pick up my son and run to safety because the flames were everywhere.
“We were told that one of the men in the other shacks made a fire and took the coals inside his shack because it was so cold and then he left the shack and the fire started.”
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says they received the call for help at 7.30pm.
“The initial estimate is five structures and 22 persons displaced.
“There were no injuries or fatalities and the fire was extinguished at 8.58pm.”
Zaibonesha says in a panic she tried to get back into her shack to save some clothing items for her son, Aqeem, but as she opened the door it fell on her face.
“I was desperate to save something like clothes and when I opened the door, the flames were on the other side and the door fell on my face and that is how I got hurt.
“We are in such a bad situation, sleeping by neighbours to stay out of the rain and we really need help.”
To help, call Fazlin on 061 124 8820.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za