Fire leaves family destitute
Residents help Maria Mhlongo, from Mkhanqwa informal settlement, get back on her feet after her shack was destroyed by fire.
KwaThema – Maria Mhlongo’s shack in Mkhanqwa informal settlement burned to the ground on Saturday night.
Maria alleges this happened after she had an argument with her boyfriend at a tavern.
“He left me behind out of anger and threatened that I was going to regret my decision.
• Read: Two schools get uniforms donation
“An hour after he left I received a call from my sister, informing me that my shack was on fire.
“When I got home I found everything in flames and the neighbours trying to put the fire out.”
Maria says they lost everything in the fire, including the children’s school uniforms.
“I am unemployed and don’t know how I will be able to get back on my feet.
“I appreciate the neighbours helping to save the children’s lives and am thankful for their donations,” she says.
• Also read: A donation for a good cause
Ward 74 councillor Thulani Simelani says the residents of Pollack Park and Wright Park responded positively when asked to help the family.
“They donated clothes, food and money.
“We are pleading with businesses and community members to help the family to rebuild their shack,” he says.
