Death toll in ongoing KZN wildfires rises to 7

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The KwaZulu-Natal department of Co-operative Governance says the death toll from the ongoing wildfires has risen to seven. The fires- that started a week ago – have damaged farms and homes in the following districts; King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, uThukela, and Zululand.

Meanwhile, residents of Ngudwini at Eshowe in northern KwaZulu-Natal are mourning the loss of a second life in the uMlalazi municipality, 69- year-old Bangiwe Luthuli. Luthuli died in hospital yesterday.

Her neighbour, Bacebile Xulu, describes what happened.

“She went to try to put down fire around the graves. She was carrying water in the bucket, she slipped and fell and she was gutted by fire. She couldn’t run away. We tried to extinguish fire but our water was not enough, and it was late as she had already been burnt.”

Luthuli’s daughter Samkelisiwe Xulu says they are battling to come to terms with their mother’s death.

“We are shocked, and we are disturbed. She is the only parent that we had. She was taking care of the family, she was looking after my 18-year-old brother who is doing matric with her pension.”

KZN Wildfires | Second person dies in uMlalazi Municipality fires: