Durban – Police have confirmed they’ve opened an inquest into the house fire that claimed the lives of prominent Shallcross couple, Donovan and Rachel Chetty, early Tuesday morning.
Captain Ntathu Ndlovu, SAPS spokesperson, said Chatsworth police are investigating two inquest dockets following the blaze that ripped through the Chetty family home on Midmar Road on 29 July.
The couple, both aged 68, died on the scene, while at least nine others – believed to be family and employees – survived with minor injuries. A neighbour who intervened to help was also hospitalised with injuries sustained while breaking into the burning dwelling.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and police have yet to confirm preliminary forensic findings.
The Chetty family have not yet commented about the incident.
According to The Post, it’s the third fatal fire in the Chatsworth area since December 2024. In December, the Veerappen family lost three members in a Silverglen blaze, and in May, on Mother’s Day, another couple died in a fire in Woodhurst.
Donovan Chetty founded Dontrans, a major logistics operator in Durban, running for over 40 years. His wife, Pastor Rachel Chetty, headed Elohim Ministries, where she was known for her strong community and faith-based outreach.
Read | Confirmed: Dontrans Owner Donovan Chetty and Wife Die in House Fire
Community leaders are urging households to review fire safety practices. Vishal Lachman of the Shallcross CPF emphasised installing working smoke alarms, keeping flammables away from heat sources, and having clear escape plans in place.
The full investigation continues, as SAPS aims to determine what sparked the blaze and whether any lapses contributed to the loss of life.
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