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Police van parked outside the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement in Johannesburg.
Councilor Msimelelo Lobi says efforts are under way to assist families affected by a deadly fire at the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement, west of Johannesburg, which claimed the lives of four-year-old twins and destroyed eight shacks.
A 42-year-old man who attempted to rescue the children was injured and taken to hospital.
The fire reportedly broke out during a police and military operation in the area, after a stove was allegedly left unattended while cooking.
Lobi says they are working to secure shelter and support for displaced residents.
“We’re trying to organise shelter but you must know that we are going to organise shelter for eight families. Then we will try to organize that shelter for eight families. Disaster management as well, they’ve responded to say they’re coming. As we speak, they will be on their way, coming to assist with what they have. And then what we usually do, we ask for donations as well. To say those who have clothes, those who have blankets, they can come and donate to the community.”
IN PICTURES | Two four-year-old twin children died on Tuesday morning when a fire swept through the Zamimpilo informal settlement west of Johannesburg.
The fire reportedly started when people fled a police and military operation, leaving a stove unattended while cooking. The… pic.twitter.com/6JnPYjAlcp
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 12, 2026
