Working on Fire manager dies

A WORKING on Fire project manager died while battling a large vegetation fire in the Simonsberg mountains near Klapmuts.

Makelepe Cedric Seokoma‚ 36‚ is said to have been part of the group that was called to assist in containing the fire, which was fuelled by strong winds on Monday afternoon.

Working on Fire national communications manager Linton Rensburg said it was with great regret he announced the death of their beloved base manager at the Strand Base and the cause of death had not yet been established.

“The Working on Fire Strand team, consisting of 20 firefighters including Seokoma, were called out to assist in trying to bring the flare up under control.

“Unfortunately, he passed while busy with efforts to contain the fire,” Rensburg said.

He said the fire started on Saturday on the property of a forestry company and moved into the Simonsberg mountains.

Working on Fire Director, Trevor Abrahams, said the programme would provide his family with support with all funeral and memorial arrangements.

“On behalf of Working on Fire management and staff, we wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the Seokoma family for the loss of their loved one”.

This is the second firefighter to have died in the line of duty. Last week, Candice Kruger, 33, also known as Ashley, from Elsies River, died in hospital after collapsing on the fire line on the slopes of Table Mountain.