KZN veld fires: Two families mourning their loved ones while many others left destitute

DURBAN - Two KwaZulu-Natal families are mourning the tragic death of their loved ones while many others have been left destitute by veld fires that spread through parts of the province this week.

Disaster management teams have spent days battling the blaze in the northern parts of the province.

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Many residents close to the fire line lost their livelihoods, homes, vehicles, and livestock.

And while the fires have largely been contained, there are still concerns about flareups.

Following almost a week of the veld fires ripping through rural KwaZulu-Natal communities, the aftermath is evident, as the Gazu and Luthuli families are now mourning one family member each, both claimed by the inferno.

While an unconfirmed number of people are fighting for their lives in hospital after sustaining burn wounds, many have lost all they owned.

Over 121 houses burnt down, while livestock such as cattle also died.

Disaster management teams said they will continue with efforts to douse the flames this weekend, with firefighters and disaster management teams remaining on high alert.

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said, “This fire has caused billions of damages throughout the province as we speak, in all districts.”

He urged communities to exercise caution and to report any flareups.

“Therefore, we appeal to the people to be careful and to be vigilant and report to the authorities when they see just a small spark, so that we can respond as the provincial government.”