Free State Fire: Unidentified Man and Woman Die in Zamdela Blaze
- Two people lost their lives in an inferno that engulfed a block of flats in Zamdela in the Free State on 2 August 2024
- The SAPS reportedly spotted plumes of smoke emanating from the Boiketlong flats around 9pm
- The cause of the fire, which left two people dead, is yet unknown; however, police are investigating
Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered crime and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.
Source: Getty Images
An unidentified man and woman lost their lives in an inferno that engulfed a block of flats in Zamdela in the Free State on 2 August 2024.
Fire engulfs block of flats
According to the Free State SAPS’ Sergeant Josephine Rani, the Boiketlong flats weren’t for residential use:
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“The police were patrolling around Zamdela when they noticed smoke coming from Boiketlong flats. On arrival, they noticed that the second floor of Block D flats was on fire.”
SAPS probes Zamdela blaze
Rani said emergency services declared the two victims dead on the scene, and the police had opened an inquest docket into the incident:
“The cause of the fire is unknown and the investigation still continues.”
Netizens link fire to alleged building hijackings
The building inferno has reignited online conversations about hijacked buildings around Zamdela and Sasolburg.
@Ma_LoJ said:
“Block of flats not used for residential purposes while there are people still living in hostels in Sasolburg @ANCFS, you hate black people.”
@musangwe_2072 commented:
“The state's failure to enforce law and order and by-laws has made our country a failed state. Shame.”
@JohanVanDerWe added:
“South African police. Please take action against this injustice.”
@BlazB84 asked:
“Who are these hijackers?”
@ianrshep wondered:
“Making fires? You mean like a braai or inside the house!?”
KwaZulu-Natal: Several firefighters die in veld fire
Briefly News previously reported that several firefighters lost their lives while fighting a fire on the R617 in Boston, KwaZulu-Natal.
Emergency personnel said it was unclear how many fighters were affected; however, they treated the critically injured.
The firefighters had reportedly been creating firebreaks to contain the inferno burning the nearby mountain.
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Source: Briefly News
