Fire in Stellenbosch informal settlement leaves over 1,000 people homeless

CAPE TOWN - A fire has left more than a thousand people in Kayamandi in Stellenbosch destitute.

The Stellenbosch Municipality says over 300 informal structures were razed to the ground when a blaze ripped through the area on Saturday night.

READ: Strong winds, heavy rain expected in CT metro and other WC municipal districts

Officials said the strong winds lashing the Cape made firefighting efforts hard, but the fire was eventually brought under control.

Municipal spokesperson Stuard Grobbelaar said the cause of the fire was unknown by Sunday morning.

"Stellenbosch disaster management worked tirelessly at the scene to combat the inferno and aid residents. The fire was brought under control early last [Saturday] night. Cleanup and mop-up operations are ongoing today [Sunday]. The municipality is currently providing assistance to affected residents."

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid group Gift of the Givers said a few residents also had to be evacuated as a safety precaution after reports of metal sheets blowing off roofs.