 | Fire in Mbekweni displaces residents, relief efforts underway
21 December 2025 | Press Releases |
21 December 2025Drakenstein Municipality's Fire and Rescue Services responded to a second major incident late on Saturday evening, 20 December, shortly after attending to the fire at Laborie Estate in Paarl. Crews were dispatched to a fire in Mbekweni, an informal settlement just outside Paarl, at approximately 21:00, with multiple informal structures ablaze.
The fire caused significant structural damage, destroying around 40 informal dwellings.
Emergency teams acted swiftly to contain the fire and assist affected residents.
Relief and recovery efforts have been activated. Care and support services are currently providing humanitarian assistance to families who have lost their homes, and municipal teams have commenced cleanup operations.
Chief Wynand Els, Drakenstein Municipality's Fire Chief , confirmed that the Municipality is working to secure essential support for those affected.
He stated that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and that an investigation will follow.
One person sustained injuries during the incident and received treatment for burn wounds and smoke inhalation.
Chief Els urged residents to practice safe fire handling at all times and to report any fires immediately to the Municipality.
Residents are requested to cooperate with officials throughout the cleanup and recovery process.
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
For media enquiries, contact: Zulfa Petersen, Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 4812, 072 288 8988 or Zulfa.Petersen@drakenstein.gov.za.
