The death toll from a devastating veldfire near Pietermaritzburg last Sunday has tragically climbed to seven individuals. The fire, exacerbated by strong winds, spiraled out of control, posing a grave threat to local farmsteads. Among the victims were Ntombikhona Nxele, 39, Khethiwe Ngcobo, 42, and Nonsikelelo Zuma, 37, who perished in the blaze at Stirling Farm on R617 Boston Road near Mpophomeni.
Additionally, three severely burned individuals—Nomfundo Nxele, 35, Bongiwe Shishane, 41, and Vusi Hudula, 36—succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Sphesihle Ndlovu, who sustained burns to his legs and back, was discharged on Monday but remains deeply affected by the tragedy.
The community mourns the recent passing of Richard Dlamini, who was critically injured and later died, sparking concerns over the readiness and training of those involved in combating the fire. Mayor Chris Pappas and Sappi confirmed Dlamini’s death, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Mark Bernardo, Sappi’s General Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the company’s extensive efforts in fire management across its vast forestry holdings in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The operation involves 24 contracted service providers and a fleet of 200 modern firefighting vehicles. Bernardo emphasized the collaborative spirit among firefighting teams, stressing the collective responsibility in battling fires that respect no boundaries.
Sappi has implemented a robust fire management program covering 400,000 hectares, ensuring preparedness and swift responses to forest, veld, and wildfire emergencies. All personnel, including contractors, undergo rigorous firefighting training and regular updates to maintain readiness. Protective gear such as balaclavas, helmets, goggles, flame-retardant overalls, and specialized equipment are standard issue, bolstering safety measures during operations.
Bernardo also outlined community engagement initiatives and ongoing safety protocols aimed at enhancing awareness and readiness within firefighting teams. Weekly fitness assessments and dedicated communication systems further optimize response capabilities during crises. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the community remains united in mourning and resilience, pledging to learn from this devastating event to prevent future losses.
In other news – Exclusive photos from Prophet Passion Java and Lily Java’s million-dollar wedding extravaganza
Controversial Prophet Passion Java and his longtime partner Lily Java have once again captured the public’s attention with their recent extravagant million-dollar wedding held in America. The event, which unfolded on July 13th, 2024, has become a focal point of discussion across social media platforms, where videos and pictures shared by attendees have drawn both admiration and criticism.
The wedding ceremony itself was not just a private affair; it was live-streamed on Facebook, allowing a global audience to witness the vows exchanged by Passion Java, who promised lifelong fidelity amidst a backdrop of opulence and celebration. Read More
