A YOUNG woman has passed on, and two men are fighting for their lives.
This after a giant tree crushed a shack in the Makause informal settlement in Germiston, Ekurhuleni on Wednesday morning, 6 May.
What was supposed to be a haven from the pouring rain turned into a death trap for Saluleko Sam.
As heavy rain lashed down on the settlement in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Saluleko and her boyfriend realised their own shack was leaking.
Seeking shelter, they asked their neighbour if they could stay in his home until the storm passed.
It was as if death were calling her.
At about 2am, the massive, ageing tree gave way, flattening the neighbour's shack with Saluleko, her boyfriend, and the neighbour inside.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services spokesman William Ntladi said firefighters arrived to find the trio trapped under the heavy trunk and debris.
"After cutting the huge tree, one regained consciousness, but the other sadly passed away," Ntladi said.
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While Saluleko died on impact, her boyfriend and the neighbour were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The tragedy has left the Makause community gatvol.
Residents said they've been pleading with the municipality for years to cut down the dangerous, old trees in the area.
"These trees are old, and any wind sends them falling," said a resident.
According to the community, the killer tree had been shedding branches for years and was last trimmed way back in 2015.
Community leader Mkhulu Letswalo didn't hold back his frustration.
"We are not safe here. We've been promised houses and a better place for years, but nothing happens," he said.
For Lehlohonolo Berend, the tree has been a source of constant fear.
"This tree has been giving us nightmares. Sometimes a branch would fall on the roof with a huge thud, and you'd wake up thinking tsotsis are breaking in.
"It's sad that someone has lost a life because of this," said Lehlohonolo.
While the municipality was busy cutting up the fallen giant, some residents were seen picking up the pieces to use as firewood.
But for many others, the focus is on survival.
With several shacks flattened, families like Lehlohonolo's are left wondering where they'll lay their heads tonight.
The community now hopes this tragedy will finally be the wake-up call the municipality needs before another life is lost.
Captain Neldah Sekgobela, spokeswoman for Ekurhuleni district police, said an inquest docket has been opened.
