Bonteheuwel Fire: Department rendering assistance & support to family

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is rendering psycho-social support and other assistance to the remaining family members of a Bonteheuwel family, where 6 members died in a fire.

The fire destroyed the family home and claimed the lives of six inhabitants in the early hours of this morning. The deceased were two women aged 25 and 20, and four children (boys) aged 11, 8, 2 and 1 years old.

This tragic incident has left the remaining family members and neighbours deeply affected. In this regard, the department has dispatched social workers from our Metro North regional office to conduct trauma and bereavement counselling, to remaining family, especially to the children.

The DSD Social Relief of Distress programme will also provide any needed support, such as food, clothing and a temporary grant, to assist the family through this tough time.

The MEC of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, will visit the family today to express his condolences.

As we head into summer, generally seen as the “fire season” due to the higher incidents of fires, especially in informal settlements, DSD will continue to render support services to affected families and communities.