A child was burnt to death when about 40 shacks caught fire at George Goch near central Johannesburg on Monday night.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Malcolm Midgely said another child was treated for minor burns.
Emergency services brought the blaze under control and the affected community appeared to be calm.
”The fire appeared to have been caused by an accident involving cooking,” said Midgely.
The Salvation Army and disaster management organisations would assess the situation. In the meantime the community has sought shelter in the remaining shacks.
Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party has blamed the government for repeated shack fires.
”We appeal to anyone who can help those affected to do so,” said Dlandezwa Mwelafe, Johannesburg Metro chairperson of the IFP.
He said the party is arranging discussions with the provincial government on the issue of accommodation in the area. — Sapa