Veld fire in Eshowe claims one life, damages over 80 homes

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The Umlalazi Local Municipality in Eshowe, northern KwaZulu-Natal, says one person has died in a wildfire that started on Sunday night. Over 80 homes were damaged in the area.

Other affected municipalities include Mthonjaneni and Nkandla. Some farms in the area have also been destroyed.

Umlalazi mayor Queen Xulu is appealing for help from the provincial government.

“Umlalazi is the hardest hit under the King Cetshwayo district. Over 15 wards have been affected. Ward 1 is the worst affected. Many homes here have been burnt. People have also lost their livestock and vehicles they use for business. Those who have sugar cane and forest plantations have been severely affected. Help is really needed. We are really affected.”

Resident Muntukabongwa Gazu died due to smoke inhalation after his house caught alight. Gazu’s daughter Lungile Mlotshwa says the family is devastated.

“It started at 8 at night we noticed that it was bright outside when open the door we realised it was a field fire. We tried to extinguish the fire and we thought that we were successful. So my father and uncle went inside the hut to get our IDs and other important documents little did we know that the fire was still continuing. So that is how he died.”

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