The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is currently providing relief to approximately 40 people from Walmer Township after a devastating fire engulfed more than 20 shacks in Makaezana Street yesterday.
Metro Spokesperson Kupido Baron says the destitute are receiving mattresses, blankets, food parcels and other necessities from the municipality's Disaster Management Unit and are being accommodated at two nearby churches.
Baron says when the first fire-truck arrived at the scene at noon, six informal dwellings were ablaze.
He says additional staff and vehicles were called in as the fire spread rapidly to neighbouring shacks
Baron says the SA Police services were also asked to assist as members of the public allegedly attacked a person accused of causing the fire.
Police Captain Stanley Jarvis says a suspect was treated at Livingstone Hospital and will be appearing in court today on a charge of arson.
Pic: Jason Brown
