The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an inquest into the death of Romeo Katompa, a 35-year-old man found deceased beneath the collapsed roof of a house that burned down in Yeoville.Emergency services responded to the blaze at approximately 4:30am on July 16, identifying Katompa as the sole victim.Preliminary findings suggest he was inside the property when the fire started and could not escape.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing that the incident is unrelated to anti-illegal immigration protests, despite circulating social media claims linking them.SAPS has warned against spreading unverified information, stressing that misinformation threatens public trust and community stability.Officials urge the public to refrain from sharing speculative content until official investigations conclude.The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing transparency with preventing reputational harm during sensitive inquiries.