Man Dies in Makausi Informal Settlement
By Lerato Mpembe
A man in his early thirties has died following a devastating shack fire that broke out in the Makausi informal settlement near Primrose on Gauteng’s East Rand in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 3 July 2025.
According to Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi, emergency services received the call just after midnight. On arrival, firefighters were met with multiple structures ablaze, posing an immediate threat to nearby homes.
“On arrival, several shacks were already on fire, threatening the rest of the others in the proximity. A total of eight shacks were burnt down, and in that inferno, a partially burnt body of an adult male was discovered in one of the shacks,” Ntladi confirmed.
Emergency Response and Fatality
Paramedics from Gauteng Provincial Government Ambulance Services responded to the scene. The male victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was declared dead on scene. His body was found partially burnt, indicating he may have been trapped or overcome by the blaze before he could escape.
Cause of Fire Undetermined
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken over the investigation and is working to determine the origin of the fire. They are also responsible for the removal of the deceased and further forensic analysis.
“The cause of the fire is undetermined. The South African Police Services were on scene and received incident responsibilities for the body removal and fire cause investigation,” Ntladi added.
Shack Fires a Growing Concern in Ekurhuleni
This latest tragedy adds to an alarming pattern of shack fires in the Ekurhuleni metro. At least 10 people lost their lives due to informal settlement fires in June 2025 alone, highlighting the vulnerability of residents living in overcrowded and poorly serviced communities.
Informal settlements like Makausi often suffer from:
• Unstable and makeshift electrical connections,
• Limited access to emergency services,
• High population density, and
• Use of paraffin stoves, open flames, and candles as heating and lighting sources.
These conditions contribute to frequent and deadly fires, particularly during winter months when households rely more heavily on heating sources.
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