Six Foreign Nationals Dead in Tsomo, Eastern Cape Shop Fire

On 28 July 2026, a massive blaze erupted at the MAA Cash and Carry store on Tsomo Main Street in the Eastern Cape of South Africa at about 03:40 a.m. Police officers near the Tsomo Police Station heard a loud explosion, investigated a strong smell of smoke, and discovered the shop engulfed in flames. Six foreign nationals, identified by their employer as Bangladeshi, were trapped inside while one person escaped with injuries.

Police, private security and community members attempted to break into the burning building, but thick smoke and rainy weather hampered rescue efforts. Firefighters eventually extinguished the fire and recovered all six bodies. The South African Police Service opened an inquest docket; investigators have found no immediate evidence of foul play, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.