“Right now I am uncertain where we will stay or what we will do, all I know is what is left of my house is dirt, water damage and smoke.”
READ: Fairleads resident still in shock after losing part of his home
These are the words of Fairleads resident Clive Robertson, whose house partially burnt down on Sunday morning.
“We were asleep when our alarm triggered around 1.30am on Sunday morning and my son, Kyle Robertson (26), came into my room saying he saw flames coming from the lapa,” said Clive.
“We both ran to the lapa where the fire was and we tried to hose the fire, but it was too strong.”
Through various means, the Robertsons tried to contact the Benoni Fire Department who arrived on scene around 2.30am, according to Clive.
After the fire was completely extinguished by the firefighters, it left nothing but a home with four demolished rooms and the entire house reeking of smoke and water damage.
“I am a 53-year-old man who was retrenched three years ago, this house was my home for nine years,” Clive said.
“For a living I have been working part-time with my friend, assisting in his projects.
“We do not know what caused the fire, we only know the fire started in the lapa.”
Clive said he visited the Crystal Park Police Station on Sunday (July 10) but could not open a case of arson because he had no proof.
When Clive was retrenched three years ago, he stopped his insurance for household goods.
“My bond is up to date, so the building insurance is valid at least,” he said.
The loss of half his home and the other half smelling of smoke left Clive emotional.
“I have lost assets I can never replace, these kinds of assets had sentimental value,” he said.
“I inherited a stinkwood chair from my great-grandfather and a wooden box from my father.
“I built the furniture in my lapa and had hunting trophies there, but now it is all gone.”
The four rooms which are completely demolished are the lapa, dining room, lounge and entrance hall.
“My dining room was my pride and joy,” he added.
Currently Clive is staying with his sister, Cheryl van der Walt, in Kempton Park.
“My sister has been my pillar of strength, she lives abroad but has a house in South Africa,” he said.
“She visited SA and was supposed to leave next week, but she may stay longer to help me.
“Kyle is staying in Northmead with his girlfriend.”
Right now the Robertsons are not certain of their next step.
“I am in the dark about this, but I would like to return to my home once the electricity is up and running again,” he added.
“Once the insurance lets me know what they have decided about the house, I can plan what to do, but I would like to return to the comfort of my own home.”
Also read: Community rallies to support fire victims
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