Pensioner’s belongings destroyed in fire
Tsakane - A 94-year-old man lost most of his belongings when a fire gutted his home at around 10am on Tuesday morning.
According to John Ngcobo, who lives in Rolihlala Street, Tokyo Section, he had used an element to boil water for a bath earlier that morning, but then realised there was no electricity.
He assumed his prepaid electricity had lapsed so he went to his neighbour, Tshepo Thema (35), to ask for help in loading prepaid electricity.
“When I got to my neighbour’s home I realised they also didn’t have electricity,” says Ngcobo.
Tema says he explained to Ngcobo that the whole area was experiencing a power failure.
“I told him we don’t have electricity and the power will come back on.
“He then requested that I accompany him to a scrapyard to see someone, so we left my house and went to the scrapyard, which is in another section,” says Tema.
He explains that while on their way back from the scrapyard, he saw smoke coming from Ngcobo’s home.
Community members had already gathered to help douse the flames and the fire was extinguished.
“Most of his furniture and appliances are damaged and his electricity connection will need rewiring,” says Tema.
Ngcobo’s daughters Nomvula (50) and Nobelungu Ngcobo (53) say they are devastated about the incident.
“My father is old and can’t do much to replace the items he lost in the fire, so we are appealing to the community for help,” says Nomvula.
Ward councillor Tshidisa Saul told the African Reporter he was not aware of the incident but will attend to it immediately.
