Gogo’s belongings destroyed in fire
KwaThema- A resident's home caught fire on Thursday morning at around 5am in Mohlabi Street, Riverside Section .
Rebeca Mokalapha (65), was awakened by smoke in the living room, where she sleeps on a couch.
The pensioner lives in the house with her brother John Mokalapha (63).
The couch was already alight by the time Rebeca awakened and she suffered burns to her face, hand and leg.
“It was a miracle I got myself to the kitchen,” says Rebeca.
Rebeca claims her brother was standing by the kitchen window trying to catch his breath when she reached him.
Her son George Smith (30), who stays in an outside shack in the yard, came to their rescue.
Neighbours were alerted and arrived with buckets of water to put out the spreading fire.
Her living room and kitchen, as well as furniture and appliances, were damaged in the blaze.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do because most of my appliances in the living room have been damaged,” says Rebeca.
Ward Councillor George Vilakazi appreciates the community members who assisted in dousing the fire and helped with the clean-up operation of Rebeca’s home.
“She will be given blankets and groceries for herself and her family,” says Vilakazi
It is suspected the fire was caused by an unattended lit cigarette.
