Police hear explosion before deadly Tsomo shop fire

Six foreign nationals have died and one person survived after a fire tore through a business premises on Tsomo Main Street in the early hours of Monday morning.

According to a statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, SAPS members on patrol near Tsomo police station heard a loud explosive sound at approximately 03:40 on 28 July 2026. Following a strong smell of smoke, officers traced it to MAA Cash and Carry, where they found huge flames coming from the building.

Police said people were known to be residing at the back of the shop. Officers, together with private security and members of the community, tried to gain entry to rescue those trapped inside.

“Despite their combined rescue efforts, only one person managed to escape. Sadly, six other occupants succumbed to the fire,” SAPS said.

Firefighters battled thick smoke and rainy weather to extinguish the blaze and later recovered the six burnt bodies. The deceased have since been identified by their employer. The identity of the sole survivor, who was rescued, has not been released.

Emergency Medical Services, SAPS members, Provincial Crime Scene Investigation and the Local Criminal Record Centre all attended the scene.

SAPS in Tsomo has opened an inquest docket. At this stage, no foul play is suspected and the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.