While Johannesburg is experiencing snowfall, the Emergency services warned residents of situations that could cause fires during the warmth.
South Africans were warned last week to prepare for a very cold weekend when the South African Meteorological Service confirmed a cold front was set to hit much of the country from Friday through Monday.
“It is around this time that we respond to most fires and record a high number of deaths. We would like to advise communities to take appropriate precautions when handling heating appliances.
“Don’t leave fireplaces and stoves unattended and let’s make sure children are supervised when there are fireplaces. Don’t leave candles and fire [makeshift coal stove] said Nana Radebe, a spokeswoman for the emergency services in Johannesburg, on Monday.
She also cautioned against leaving people on appliances to heat homes while they are not away.
On Saturday, the Met Service issued an alert for snow, which fell in the Western Cape between Friday and Saturday but was expected to “spread eastward across South Africa over the next few days”.
The service advised “cold to very cold temperatures” for much of the country over the next few days with snow at higher elevations.
TimesLIVE