KuGompo – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquest following a deadly fire at a business premises in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, that claimed the lives of six foreign nationals.
The fire broke out on Tsomo Main Street on 28 July 2026, prompting an emergency response from firefighters and police.
According to SAPS, firefighters faced difficult conditions while battling the blaze.
“Firefighters arrived on the scene and despite challenges posed by thick smoke and rainy weather, they managed to extinguish the blaze, and all six (6) burnt bodies were recovered,” police said in a statement.
The victims have since been identified.
#sapsEC [SIX FOREIGN NATIONALS DIE IN FATAL FIRE INCIDENT IN TSOMO]
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tsomo has opened an inquest docket following a fire at a business premises on Tsomo Main Street on 28 July 2026, in which six foreign nationals lost their lives.… pic.twitter.com/wuQ6wUcQD8
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 28, 2026
“The deceased have since been identified by their employer,” SAPS said.
Police said a multidisciplinary team responded to the incident, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), SAPS members, the Provincial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
“All necessary role players were summoned to the scene, including Emergency Medical Services, SAPS members, Provincial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC),” the statement said.
Authorities have launched an inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“At this stage, no foul play is suspected, and the investigation continues,” SAPS said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and police have not released the identities or nationalities of the deceased pending the ongoing investigation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
